Today’s Devotional – Monday, January 11, 2021
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Proverbs 4:25 (NLT)
Every New Year, many of us make resolutions. Such people are keen to improve their lives from the previous year. Often, people want to change bad habits and / or adopt new ones. However, conservative research indicates that close to 90% of those who make resolutions do not keep their word. Further, only about 50% of us carry on with the resolutions beyond the first month.
Considering making New Year Resolutions is recommended for personal development, why do so many people fail to follow through on their promises to themselves. While there are many reasons for this behaviour, the most significant is lack of focus. What does the Bible, God’s manual for a productive and fulfilling life, teach on focusing on goals – be they material or spiritual?
The Wise Man, Solomon, instructs us to look straight ahead, and fix our eyes on what lies before us. In essence, we are to avoid distractions and concentrate on the tasks we have set for ourselves. Modern distractions may come in the form of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other social media platforms. Friends, family members, workmates, however good, may also be the reason you are not hitting your targets.
The Master Teacher had this to say, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62: (NLT). Even in the spiritual realm, you have to be single-minded. You cannot serve two masters; Jesus says in Matthew 6:24.
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul asserted that he was pressing on towards the goal of eternal life. The apostle wrote, “…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Nothing would distract Paul from achieving his goal.
Five years later, in AD 67, Paul penned the following words, in II Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…”
That is the single-mindedness you need as you approach this day and the week ahead. Plan, prioritize and focus on your goal. On the spiritual front, the devil will try to distract you from Christ. Remember to focus on the cross and the complete work that was accomplished there.
Prayer
Father, help me to remain focused on my goals and tasks today, knowing that whatever I do should be done to your glory (Colossians 3:23).
Distractions are the reason many people don’t achieve their goals and objectives. This devotional discusses what the Bible says about focusing on goals. Read it for more insights. Remember to let other readers know your thoughts about this topic. Be blessed.
Amen
A man does not make a vision but a vision makes a man……Paul in the bible had a vision to spread the good news to all despite his body being in prison……. maintain your focus a head
Well said, Duke
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