Sometimes we get bogged down in responsibilities that keep us from assuming another responsibility that is equally if not more important. When we do, we miss things we are supposed to be doing and even better equipped to do. We try to solve problems that are not ours to solve.
There is a story in the Bible that illustrates the importance of staying focused on responsibilities that bring about the greatest results in our lives.
David, when he was a shepherd boy, developed a deep and meaningful relationship with God. Goliath, a giant, challenged God and made fun of God and His people even to the point of terrorizing them. Because of David's intimacy with God, Goliath's scoffing infuriated David. He went down to the battlefield to find out what was going on. As he asked for information, his older brother insulted him. David didn't stop to fight with him, defend or prove himself. He turned and went elsewhere to find the information he needed to fight Goliath. Read I Samuel 17 if you want more details of the story. Though small, David, because he stayed focused, defeated Goliath, the giant. This one act inspired millions throughout history and to this day. If he had gotten distracted fighting with his brother, he would have missed his appointment with destiny and missed his opportunity to do a greater work.
Working through conflicts with others is critical to success in life. However, at times, we take responsibility in relationships that are not ours to assume. We try to fix relationships that won't be fixed and get distracted. We miss greater, more fruitful opportunities to make a more significant impact on our world.
How do I know this? The last several months, I've assumed some responsibilities which caused me to miss this greater opportunity to write and share with you in the relationship area. However, now I have even more material to share. God does bring good out of everything!
What about you? Think about what you can trim from your life to focus on what will bear more fruit for yourself and others.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:1, 2 (NIV)
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