A Focused Life

“A vision is a picture of a possible, ongoing future you intend to create that illuminates your underlying purpose, values, and beliefs” (Stoner, Zigarmi, & Blanchard, 2003, p. 2). Paul paints it in Ephesians as, “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, Today’s New International Version). Paul was a determined, focused leader who effectively communicated his vision to the church.

“Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity…His secret was a focused life” (Warren, 2002, p. 32). He wrote, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13, New Living Translation). This enabled empowerment of others in leadership.

“… the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2, Today’s New International Version). Paul shared leadership. He entrusted his churches to those he taught.

Paul loved his followers, revisiting churches he planted, considering them “dear children” (Galatians 4:19, Today’s New International Version). Paul communicated on his hearers’ level, rather than expecting them to come up to his level. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22, Today’s New International Version).

Paul used “innovative communication…interaction about new ideas in the organization—how the job can be done better, new products the organization could produce, different ways of structuring the organization…” (Miller, 2006, p. 57). The gospel is the most innovative communication imaginable. New products equate resources for Christian growth, while structuring parallels the means of believers’ growth and effective outreach.

People describe me as dependable. Paul’s dependability was due to his focus on God. I want to be that kind of leader in the church, despite circumstances I may encounter.

References

Holy Bible (2004). New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale.

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan.

(Miller K 2006 Organizational Communication Approaches and Processes)Miller, K. (2006). Organizational Communication Approaches and Processes (4th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

(Stoner J Zigarmi D Blanchard K 2003 Creating You Organization's Future: the Full Steam Ahead Field Guide)Stoner, J., Zigarmi, D., & Blanchard, K. (2003). Creating You Organization's
Future: The Full Steam Ahead Field Guide. San Diego: The Ken Blanchard
Companies.

(Warren R 2002 Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For?)Warren, R. (2002). Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For? Grand
Rapids: Zondervan.