Blindsided

A narrow focus is good for some things. When we are single-minded in a pursuit, whether it’s to attain knowledge or lose a few pounds if our focus is on a singular task rather than a plethora of things, it is more likely we will succeed in whatever undertaking we are pursuing. Diligent consistency and focus are the main ingredients required to thrive in most environments, and these are things that can be nurtured, grown, and matured in everyone.

Focus is a learned skill, as are discipline, diligence, and consistency. Although these things come easier for some than for others, they are not unattainable, or attainable by a select, gifted few, like being able to run the four-minute mile.

Focused, single-minded individuals have achieved some remarkable things, and most are quick to cheer on their achievements, but very few ask the paramount question at what cost? We can all see the guy who made it to the mountaintop, but very few take the time to consider what it took to get there.

Of late, I have been getting prayer requests from brothers in Christ, men whom I respect, who I consider both seasoned and mature, that are going through seasons of trial. Save one, they all conclude that they got blindsided by their current crisis, they never saw it coming, and it took them by surprise.

While narrow focus is good for some things, it is destructive and detrimental when it comes to living a balanced life. Even if it’s something noble like ministry if the rest of your life suffers and is left to ruin, from health, marriage, or relationships with your children, eventually it will catch up to you, and the consequences will be life-altering.

Being sanctimoniously self-righteous and declaring to one and all that ministry is your life, your wife and kids have to get used to it, and anyone unwilling to follow suit is unworthy of ministry is all well and good until your testimony is marred, oftentimes irreparably, and everything in your life falls apart.

I’ve seen it too many times, and I am one who would rather learn from someone else’s mistakes than having to live the heartache myself.

If you are called to be a minister, then be a minister, but that does not mean you stop being a father, a husband, a son, or a friend. You can fulfill your calling while maintaining balance in your life, but for this to occur, the ego must be kept well in check.

Most people shipwreck not because they did what God told them to do, but because they went beyond their instructions, thinking that God just hadn’t gotten around to sending the latest batch of orders. They take it upon themselves to build bigger than God commanded, unwilling to acknowledge that God had a reason and purpose for every minute detail of His instructions to them.

If the enemy can’t tempt you, beguile you or destroy you, he is more than happy to sideline you by going after the areas in your life left unattended. If a frontal assault doesn't work, he will feel around the edges until he finds a breach, a weakness, a means to gain entry, to rob you of your peace and joy.

Vigilantly guard your soul, guard your mind, guard your heart, and be aware of the enemy’s devices. Don’t pick one point off in the distance to focus on, but scan the horizon for any sign of danger, then proceed to shore up your defenses. It is easier by far to maintain a strong citadel, than clear out the rubble thereof and begin building it anew. 

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.