Personal Focus

Rather than chasing distractions or comparisons, “Personal Focus” challenges us to stay centered on God’s unique assignment for our lives.

“’Lord, and what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’”—John 21:21–22 NASB

General Robert E. Lee, leader of the Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War, was a decorated, revered soldier. But he also faced a constant barrage of criticism from newspaper writers and editors.

Lee made plans and decisions in the heat of battle, often having to react to incomplete information in constantly changing circumstances. But the reporters and editors sitting on the sidelines wrote as though they knew exactly what he should have done.

Lee once wittily commented: “We appointed all our worst generals to command the armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers.” Lee continued, “When it was all over, I found by reading a newspaper that these best editor-generals saw all the defects plainly from the start. Unfortunately, they did not communicate their knowledge to me until it was too late.”

The world is still full of critics. But instead of listening to them, we need to focus on our own assignment.

When Peter asked Jesus about John, He urged Peter not to become distracted by other people’s callings, but to focus on his own. We also need to have this focus. Don’t let anything keep you from doing God’s will. Focus on pleasing Him. Fill your mind with His Word, and let His Spirit guide you. Complete your assignment!

Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to shift your focus back to your own calling?