Leadership: Focus

The next part of leadership I want to examine is hope. In my opinion, this is something that I've not seen as much time devoted to, compared with faith and love. But, nevertheless, it is vital in our development of influence. And the first aspect of hope is focus.

Focus is simply the ability to look toward what God is doing, rather than being mired in the past (whether success or failure).

Hebrews 12:1-3
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Joel 2:27-29
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the LORD your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Properly focused, a follower of Christ is able to find perseverance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of God's desires for this world. We see the future that God controls, rather than a future controlled by the evil forces of this world (even the world within us).

Typically, when I think of focus, I imagine the field of vision shrinking, smaller and smaller. However, I think when we focus on Christ, our field of vision actually grows, we begin to see possibilities that we never could before. Moments of despair give way to the indomitable truth of a relationship with Christ - hope.