REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Hebrews 12:1 |Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Matthew 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Proverbs 4:23 | Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
OBJECTIVE
Unloading unnecessary burden to maximize our assignment
CONTENT
Pick Your Focus
- The key to fulfill God’s assignment in our lives is to understand that if you want to run the race with endurance, you must choose what you carry wisely. This means we are to be intentional, choosing to focus on your path and not becoming distracted.
- Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek God as our priority, making God the center of our life, surrendering to God who guides and dictates, which means all the decisions we make in life should be based on what matters most to God.
- Hebrews 12:1 calls us to lay aside every weight, that is distractions and burdens that aren’t necessarily sinful but slow down spiritual progress.
- In the Bible we can see how Jesus didn’t heal everyone when He could. Initially He also ministered to the Jews only, instead of ministering to the Gentiles before its time. This demonstrated how Jesus is careful to obey and prioritize what the Father has commanded and to follow in His plan.
- Even things that are seemingly good can take over our priority when we don’t lean on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. Doing a God-given assignment requires us to have laser focus and wisdom to prioritize. Understanding this, we shouldn’t be surprised that when we are appointed, God tends to prune us (redirect our focus) such that we can bear more fruits.
Most Distractions Are Internal
- Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our heart to live a life of integrity. Sins often get in the way and distract us from fulfilling God’s calling. However, confessing our sins to God will allow Him to correct our hearts and redirect us to focus on what’s right and good to do. Instead of just aimlessly following comfort and the flesh, sometimes the hindrance to completing our God-given task is as much internal, as it is external. In order to be successful in our mission, our hearts need to have the right posture first.
- Proverbs 4:25 advises our eyes to look straight ahead and to fix our gaze directly before us. This means just like the runner who aims to finish the marathon race, we stay in our lanes instead of comparing our paths to others and becoming discouraged. One of the most non-useful habits that can distract us from finishing God’s assignment is to compare ourselves with others.
- 1 Timothy 6:9 also calls us to be disciplined, urging us to stay steadfast and ignore temptations. These temptations can stray us away from what God intends us to do. Another example of this that can hinder our calling to serve others is holding grudges. When we haven’t forgiven others, this will hinder us from effectively serving others with a genuine heart. It hinders us from going all out for Christ.
- We constantly need to have an internal life audit before following God’s assignments. Analyze our heart posture, sins, and habits to be effective and maximum at what God calls us to do.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are the things on your to do list that keep you from doing things with God?
- Share one thing that you need to discipline yourself about. How can your fellow members help you in that area?
REFERENCES