Focus; the danger of too many Pursuits

Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11

We can learn from Solomon’s costly mistakes. The King of Israel desperately pursued several unrelated goals in a vain attempt to satisfy himself.

Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11 provides a good example of a leader who didn’t know how to get what he wanted.

By the time Solomon wrote these words, he had reached a high level of success – but still felt empty. He couldn’t put his finger on why fulfillment continued to escape him. Because he lacked focus, he searched high and low, experimenting with all kinds of goals, yet never achieved satisfaction. Sadly, he attempted to solve an inward problem with an outward solution.

The old axiom remains true: If you chase two rabbits, both will escape. This was certainly true of Solomon’s futile attempts to reach his varied goals. (He pursued 8 goals in Ecclesiastes 2 alone!). So what can we learn from this leader about focus??

He pursued too many things in too short a time.
He pursued the wrong goals to reach his desired outcome.
His self serving goals were all wrong.
He despaired because he never identified what he really wanted.

Solomon eventually did narrow his focus, but it took him a lifetime and an entire book to do so. He finally determined what really mattered and what he really wanted.

How about you as a Pastor/Leader?? Have you figured out your focus yet?? How do you make major decisions about your ministry?? Have you established a way to determine your focus based on what really matters or what really counts?? The checklist below might help us all to see where we need to invest our time and energy so ask yourself these questions when making decisions about things you are doing:

Is this consistent with my priorities?
Is this within an area of my competence?
Can someone else do it 80% as good as I can?? If so let them!!
Do I have the time??

When you say “yes” to an opportunity, get ready to focus. Make to-d0 lists. Set priorities. Avoid Clutter. Pursue excellence, but avoid perfectionism. Question everything. Do not Procrastinate. Control interruptions and distractions. Use the Calendar. And gracefully say NO to some good things so you can FOCUS on your priorities.

We must come to a place to learn that it is ok to say "NO" to some things people in our churches ask us to do. It is ok to say "NO" to certain programs that "CHURCH" people want to do. Really take a look at your church/ministry. Do the things in my day/week or do the things we do every week in our church reflect the Vision that God has given to us?? If not, it is time to FOCUS and do not fall prey to too many pursuits.