Single-mindedness: Keeping Your Eyes Fixed on the Goal

To be single-minded is to be wholeheartedly determined – resolutely committed to one goal, refusing to be pulled aside by distraction, doubt or the shifting fashions of the world. For the follower of Christ, that one goal is His call and His Kingdom.

The Example of Single-minded Devotion

Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem and, even though He knew what lay ahead, He kept focused on the goal ahead; He let nothing turn Him away from His divine mission (Lk 9:51; Heb 12:2; 1 Jn 3:8). When the Samaritans refused to receive Him, He did not retaliate or alter His course (Lk 9:52-56); when His own family tried to restrain Him, He stayed about His Father’s business (Mk 3:21,31-35; Lk 2:49); and when the crowds attempted to make Him king by force, He withdrew, because His kingdom was not of this world (Jn 6:15; 18:36).

Jesus knew His purpose and let nothing deter Him

He set His face like a flint, confident that He would not be put to shame, and for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, despising its shame (Isa 50:7; Heb 12:2). His single-minded devotion carried Him through to completion, so that He could declare, “It is finished” (Jn 19:30), having destroyed the works of the devil and secured the salvation of all who obey Him (1 Jn 3:8; Heb 5:9). We are to have this same focused attitude, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5; 3:14).

Those who keep the end in sight make all things work for their good; they even take on what Satan and others intend for evil, and any undesirable trials, to accomplish the work of Christ in their lives (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28). They do not have a paralyzing, victim mindset; rather they enthusiastically turn each situation to their advantage. While not unaware of what is happening around them they are not swayed in their commitment to remain loyal to the objective. Paul, a man with a mission said, I am going and although I do not know the outcome I want to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me (Act 20:22,24).

Guarding Against Distraction and Double-mindedness

What is His unique goal for my life and am I committed to seeing it become reality? Am I dedicated to following Christ without an escape clause – or do I serve Him only as long as it is pleasing to me?

Am I allowing Satan or the cares and things of this world to distract and steal my divine inheritance from me, and stunt my spiritual life (Mk 4:18-19)?

Be disciplined and establish priorities and boundaries so you fulfill your destiny. What we really believe will determine our actions. Am I being pulled in different directions, by whatever takes my fancy, or is fashionable, or am I focused on fulfilling His call for me? Don’t allow yourself to be distracted as this creates inner conflict and tension.

Always keep your eye on the goal – James 1:12

The Bible compares a person in this predicament – who is confused and unstable in their character, actions and thoughts – to a wave of the sea, tossed around by the wind (Jas 1:6-8, 4:8). Jesus reminds us that it is impossible to serve two masters (Mt 6:24).

Establishing God’s Will and Persevering to the End

Clearly establish what the will of God is and hold tenaciously to it. Our minds must be filled with the Word of God, so our faith has a firm foundation (Heb 11:1,3). Give yourself totally to Him in obedient service. Your perseverance will be amply rewarded. It is those who endure to the end who are counted worthy of the Kingdom (Mt 24:13), for it is required of stewards that they be found faithful (1 Cor 4:2).

The question every believer must face is this: will I fulfill His calling on my life and receive His commendation – “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21,23)? That “well done” is reserved not for the talented or the prominent, but for the faithful – for those who have been obedient in spite of the obstacles and setbacks, who kept serving when results were slow, opposition was real and the way was hard. Trials test our commitment, but they also prove it (Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 1:6-7); setbacks are not a sign that we have missed God’s will, but an invitation to press on with even greater resolve. Paul, at the close of a life marked by beatings, shipwrecks and abandonment, could still testify that he had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith – and he looked forward, not to ease, but to the crown of righteousness awaiting all who love His appearing (2 Tim 4:7-8). Hold fast to what you know God has spoken over your life, refuse to surrender your post when the battle intensifies, and the reward of your perseverance will far outweigh anything the enemy took from you along the way (Heb 10:35-36; Gal 6:9).

Reflection and Application:

Write down what you believe is God’s unique goal for your life, and take one practical step toward it this week.
Identify the one distraction that most pulls you in different directions, and set a deliberate boundary against it.
Fill your mind daily with the Word of God so your faith has a firm foundation.
Commit to following Christ without an escape clause, asking Him for grace to persevere and stay loyal to the objective.