“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” – Acts 6:4(KJV).
There are many things in life that will place a demand on our time, energy and finances and try to take our attention away from the pursuit of our life’s purpose. As good or important as they may appear, if not placed in proper perspective, they could delay or destroy our mission. People, things and activities including Christian programs can stand our way of doing the most important things. So many things and so many people will mount pressure on us seeking our attention. Wisdom demands that we decide or identify what is truly important in life at any particular time. Understand that you cannot attend to everything or to every person seeking your attention if you must fulfill your life’s assignment. What we give ourselves to (time, energy or finances) will determine what we make out of our life’s purpose. The pursuit of destiny will demand that one stay focused on the main things and not chase shadow.
The apostles saw the need to delegate responsibilities of serving tables to seven deacons so they can give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word which is their priority as apostles and ministers of the gospel. Serving table is a vital ministry in the kingdom but that was not their major assignment others were called and graced for that ministry. It will be a great distraction and loss of focus for the apostles to settle for table service at the expense of their assignment. Apostle Paul identified the one thing that mattered and he gave it the required attention – “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 3: 13-14(KJV).
“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” – Matthew 6:22-23(KJV).
Let your eye be where your treasure is, for all things are lawful but refuse to be bound under the power of any (1Corinthians 6:12; 1Corinthians 10:23). Disentangle yourselves from unfruitful activities that sap your energy and financial resources and consume your precious time so you can give undivided attention to what God has destined for you.
PRAYER: Oh lord, save me from distraction and help me to stay focused in life in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu