Three Areas to Overly Focus On

A woman in a baseball cap executes a powerful swing on the golf course, her eyes firmly fixed on the golf ball as the early morning light casts a serene glow over the lush green landscape.

Golf immortal Arnold Palmer recalls a lesson about overconfidence: It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament, and I had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. I felt I was in pretty good shape. As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, "Congratulations." I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I did, I knew I had lost my focus.

On my next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters. You don't forget a mistake like that; you just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again. I haven't in the 30 years since.

Carol Mann, The 19th Hole, (Longmeadow), quoted in Reader's Digest.

In a world full of distractions, diluted convictions, and half-hearted commitments, the call to follow Christ requires a radical change in how we live, love, and lead. Scripture doesn’t call us to a casual faith; it calls us to a passionate one. There are three areas in our walk with God where we are invited not just to focus, but to hyper-focus — to go all in, without reservation.

1. Focus Relentlessly

An intense gaze captures the tranquility of the horizon, reflecting determination and focus on what lies ahead.

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." — Proverbs 4:25

Relentless focus is about spiritual discipline. It involves keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). In a culture that celebrates multitasking and constant stimulation, it’s worth asking whether that is an effective use of time or if we’re simply failing at many things simultaneously. As a leader, it’s easy to have squirrel moments. God calls us to single-minded devotion. This means:

• Prioritizing time in the Word of God daily

• Making Prayer a priority

• Guarding our thoughts and intentions

• Saying “no” to distractions that pull us away from our purpose

Ask yourself this critical question: What should I put on my “To Don’t List?”

Relentless focus doesn’t mean perfection—it means persistence. It’s the daily decision to fix our eyes on Christ, even when the world tries to blur our vision.

2. Care Deeply

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." — 1 Peter 4:8

You can’t lead people if you don’t love them first. To care deeply is to reflect the heart of Jesus. He didn’t love from a distance—He stepped into the mess, the pain, and the brokenness of humanity. Deep care means:

• Listening with empathy

• Serving with humility

• Forgiving with grace

When we care deeply, we live out the Gospel. Ask yourself, what do I love irrationally? What do I see in the world around me that breaks my heart? What issues or circumstances drive you crazy?  A great leader lets you know that you are valued and essential. We become the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. This kind of care isn’t convenient; it’s costly. But it’s also transformative.

3. Commit Completely

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this." — Psalm 37:5

The potential of your input reflects your level of commitment. Take a moment to answer this question: On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being all your chips pushed in, how committed are you? Complete commitment is the foundation of discipleship. Jesus didn’t ask for part-time followers, or weekend warriors—He asked for people willing to take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23). To commit completely means:

• Surrendering our plans to God’s will

• Trusting Him in seasons of uncertainty

• Living with integrity, even when no one is watching

This kind of commitment is contrary to the culture. It’s not about seeking comfort—it’s about making a covenant. When we commit fully, we demonstrate that Jesus is not just a Savior but also our Lord.

Final Thoughts

These three areas—focus, care, and commitment—are more than just spiritual disciplines; they are declarations of faith. They declare to the world that our faith is not passive but passionate, that our love is not shallow but sacrificial, and that our walk is not wavering but unwavering.

So today, ask yourself:

• Where is my focus drifting?

• Who needs my care today?

• What area of my life needs deeper commitment?