Every vision carrier should learn the power of focus from Nehemiah, Paul and Christ himself. In leadership, we have so much to learn from these three figures.
When Nehemiah set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, there were distractions here and there. Chiefest among them was the opposition of Sanballat, Tobiah and Gershem. Severally, they tried to distract him but he remained focused ( Nehemiah 6:1-17).
Paul said, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power"( 1 Cor 1:17).
There is something to learn in the text above. Paul did not say it is wrong to baptize but he stated clearly that he was not sent to baptize anyone but to preach the gospel. That is the power of focus there. He knew what his assignment was and he focused on it. If he had gone on baptism spree, he may appear to be doing what looks like his assignment but he has derailed.
At a time, they wanted to make Jesus the king of Jews but he escaped: "When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself"( John 6:15 NLT).
Looking at the benefit of Kingship, it would have made sense for Jesus to accept that position but considering his assignment, kingship would have been a big distraction. To remain focused on his assignment, he slipped away into the hills by himself.
In your pursuit of the vision God laid on your heart, several distractions will come to derail your focus. Those distractions often come in form of good opportunities. They appear as opportunities that are compatible with your vision whereas they are not.
Distractions come to slow you down. Satan knows that If you give that assignment all it takes, you will depopulate his kingdom. What does he do? He will present similar alternatives or opportunities that are seemingly good but can kill your vision.
I love apostle Paul's statement of focus: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, BUT I FOCUS ON THIS ONE THING: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead"( Phil 3:13 NLT).
