Focus, Priority, and Our Daily Activities
“I’m in a hurry to get things done, I rush and rush until life’s no fun.” This lyric from a famous Alabama song is so true. There is so much to do, and we get caught up in so many details. For me this is especially true at work. No matter what company I have had the pleasure of working with, there is never any shortage of things to do. And when we add the full array of life’s activities with family, friends, our hobbies and interests, etc., it can be overwhelming. There is never enough time in the day, and we can feel buried and consumed.
Scripture:
“but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42
Observation/Application:
It’s all about focusing on the high-priority tasks. There is so much that can be done, but given our top priorities, what needs to be done? We first need to understand our top priorities, then give those things our attention. If we don’t focus on the big picture and the high-priority tasks, and giving those things our time and attention, we risk failing in those areas. If we are not deliberate in setting daily tasks that support our highest priorities, then we will give attention to other things, most likely what is creating the most noise in our lives, or the current distraction of the minute that hits us on our cell phones. And while cell phones can be a great tool for communication and achievement, they also can be the primary cause of failure in many areas of our lives if we allow them to distract us from what is really important in life.
Image courtesy of: arellis49
I often wonder if Jesus were teaching today, how many people would be checking their messages of social media. It’s ridiculous our lack of focus and attention to what matters and those who matter. And some distractions we face as Christians, things that caused us to lose focus in religion include debating over different religious practices like sacraments, witnessing door to door, what we should or should not eat, what laws are applicable, debating scriptural debates, criticism and judgement – the list goes on and on.
Jesus was excellent at teaching and correction, and helping us understand this principle of focusing on what matters. In this scripture he helps Martha see the big picture. In an earlier scripture, he retros the activities of the 72 but then refocuses them on the big picture which is to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Jesus was excellent at simplifying, and refocusing on the big picture. Isn’t that our role as leaders, at work, at home, in life? Even if you think that you are not a leader, I would disagree. We are all leaders to someone. If you are a parent, you are a leader. Even if you would consider your spouse the leader at home, you are a leader to your children. If someone looks up to you or follows you, or has chosen you as a friend, then you are a leader. You are still in a position of influence and leadership. In our lives, we all have influence. And as leaders we all need to understand the law of focus and priority.
Jesus provides a very clear example and message around ensuring that we focus on the big picture, and what is really important. He tells us that our primary focus should be on, (1) Jesus and the kingdom of God, (2) relationships. When asked what is the most important of laws, he says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. – (Matthew 22:36-40). So when you boil it all down, it is all about relationship with God and with other people. It is a matter of the heart. and further boiled down, it is all about love. If we can’t love, we really aren’t in God’s Presence. And if we are not in God’s Presence, then we certainly cannot lead effectively.
As we go forth today, let us focus on the big picture, and ensure that we look at things from an eternal perspective. Let us go forth with focus, clarity, simplicity, relationship priority, and love. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – (1 Corinthians 13:13) I call you blessed!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this great Word today. Thank you for revealing to us the great lessons and wisdom of the kingdom of God. Help us to be more like you Lord. Fill us with clarity and focus today Lord. Help us to understand and focus on what is really important in our lives Lord, and give those things our time and attention. Let us not take for granted what you have blessed us with. Fill our hearts with love, that we might be a blessing to others and for your glory. We ask for this in the name of your one and only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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