Focused

(John 4:27-35)

“Vision plays a key role in producing useful change by helping to direct, align, and inspire actions on the part of large numbers of people.”
(Leading Change, John P. Kotter, Harvard Business School Press).

Jesus sets a perfect example for focus. After sharing with the Samaritan woman, Jesus communicates his purpose to his disciples: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” The disciples had approached him about something to eat. But, Jesus was so focused on his mission that he used even this most ordinary request to explain his purpose. This was not an isolated moment. Near the end of his life on earth, Jesus restates this purpose while talking to his Father in the garden of Gethsemane: (John 17:4) “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Jesus was on a mission, focused on what his Father had sent him to do. He was relaying this mission to the disciples as he was preparing them to carry on after he returned to heaven.

Purpose (or vision) is one element of focus. Another element is timing – urgency.

“With urgency low, it’s difficult to put together a group with enough power and credibility to guide the effort or to convince key individuals to spend the time necessary to create and communicate a change vision.”
(Leading Change, John P. Kotter, Harvard Business School Press).

I’ve often said that the Bible is the best management book – period. Jesus knew the importance of urgency long before Harvard was even established. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes, and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” The disciples were out taking care of their physical needs – looking for food. Jesus captured the moment to share with a Samaritan woman. Of course, we need to take care of our physical needs. Yet, we so often miss the urgency of our own spiritual needs and the needs of the world around us. Jesus took time out for one – one — person. As we become like Christ, we need his attitude, his heart – his focus on mission.