Becoming Single-Minded

Growing up, I wanted to be a medical doctor. It wasn’t so much about the prestige but the opportunity to solve real health issues and make people well truly fascinated me.

Today, I’m not a doctor. The death of that dream wasn’t helped by my real experience in a hospital and seeing so much blood. I cringed and almost threw up. In that moment I knew this wasn’t for me; I couldn’t handle the trauma that comes with dealing with blood.

Have you ever set your heart so deeply on a mission it became your ‘one thing’? Not like my fickle desire to become a doctor. Not that. I mean having a passion and being relentlessly committed to it, knowing nothing will sway you.

Life demands of us a single-mindedness to purpose that we must be willing to lose everything else to keep what truly matters – Matthew 13:44.

As I pondered this, I was reminded of the biblical account of Joseph. His life is an incredible example of focus. Being single-minded is to have absolute dedication and resolute focus on your life’s vision regardless of the noise around you.

It involves having clarity of purpose, developing a compelling vision and making bold decisions as you faithfully follow the path God has called you.

What made a young man sold to slavery reach the top of his game against all odds? He was single-minded. And here’s how he did it.

Dream a dream

Firstly, Joseph was driven by a deep desire to fulfil purpose. He had a dream – Genesis 37:5,9. What’s your dream? What’s your WHY?

Until you develop a compelling vision based on God’s specific call on your life (and start acting on it), you cannot be truly fulfilled.

Industry always pays

From a very young age, Joseph worked in the family business. He had a knack for industry and was not lazy – Genesis 37:1-2.

No one who is committed to purpose sits back and expects life to simply happen. Purpose demands work. So, get on with it.

Mental resilience against all odds

The single-minded individual, like Joseph, develops the mental resilience that outlives unjust and negative criticisms.

Don’t live to be liked. Instead, occupy your focus with a passion to make an eternal impact on the lives of others.

Consistent devotion to THE ONE

Slavery and mischaracterisation weren’t an excuse for Joseph to quit his relationship with and devotion to God. He was shamed, imprisoned and wrongfully accused but they could not take away the One Constant in his life – his GOD (Genesis 39:2, 21).

Committed to serving others

Joseph proved that true leadership is NOT a position of authority to be wielded over others but a platform to serve others with great humility and integrity. In Potiphar’s house, he served others. In prison, he served others. At the palace, he served others.

Intentional focus on your purpose

“…how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against GOD?”

Genesis 39:9

Distraction has foiled many great visions and purpose. But intentional focus sustains the single-minded person. Set your focus on God and on His purpose for your life, not on man.

Paul summed it up perfectly in Philippians 3:13-14 when he said “this one thing I do…” Find your ‘one thing’ and stay focused till God calls you home.

Photo credit: Paul Skorupskas on Unsplash.