It’s that time of the year where we start
hearing terms such as resolution, goals and objectives. To be honest with
you, I have already started revising my list of goals. As I was writing,
reflecting on what I wanted to accomplish this year, I was reminded of Jesus’
resolution – bring salvation to all who would receive it. Having
resolutions is one thing, achieving them is something totally
different. Some research has indicated that writing goals/resolutions down
tends to increase the probability of achieving those goals. Although
writing down goals/resolutions may help, I would suggest that there is
something else beyond writing down goals/resolutions - resolve, commitment,
discipline and primarily focus is key to achieving your goals.
According to Webster, focus is defined as
"any point of concentration." In the martial arts one focuses on the
opponent or the target, focus on the forms to make sure each move is precise,
focus our minds so that our concentration is on the task at hand. The primary
cause of injury in martial arts training is lack of focus, for it is when we
are not concentrating that mistakes are made or in the case of goals, that we
lose sight.
The focus of Christ: What did Jesus come to do? Jesus had a mission; he had a goal -- and he allowed
nothing to distract or divert him from accomplishing that mission. The Jewish
leaders tried to divert him and even his own family tried to divert him, but he
would not be diverted.
a) Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to
seek and to save that which was lost.
b) John 17:4 I
have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gave me
to do.
Further, Satan also tried very
hard to divert Jesus from his mission. Satan recognized very early that the
best way to derail Jesus would be to change his focus. Matthew 4.3 records Now
when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command
that these stones become bread." Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil
took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of
the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will
give You if You will fall down and worship me." Satan was trying to change
Jesus' focus! And he tries the same thing with us. But just as Jesus
overcame Satan’s distractions, you should resolve to do the same.
Knowing that Satan is trying to
confuse us should tell us how important it is that we not lose our focus,
or task, or promise that God has given us.
As you reflect on what you want
to focus on this year, remember to have something from these major areas of our
lives: family/personal, spiritual, physical and mentally. You should
strive to strengthen relationships with family and friends or give back by
volunteering; resolve to growing your spiritual life by attending a house of
worship, meditating or reading a daily devotional; taking care of
yourself by eating better and getting enough exercise; and investing in
yourself by taking a class, picking up a hobby, or reading more.
Whatever
you resolve to do this year, keep in mind the words of Henry Ford, "A
weakness of all human beings is trying to do too many things at once.
That scatters effort and destroys direction. It makes for haste, and
haste makes waste."
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