Single-Mindedness

I've been thinking about the nature of single-mindedness this week, which I've never really thought about before. And interestingly it also popped up in Andrew Wilson's sermon today at church. As a topic, it's quite rare to hear in a sermon, or just in life. So I think God may be speaking.

Single-mindedness is when you set your sights on a goal and you walk straight and fast. It's very different from narrow-mindedness, although the two appear to have much in common. The single-minded man may have very good vision: he's aware of everything around him and what's up ahead. He knows where he wants to go. He plots a path, and he sticks to it.

The narrow-minded man, on the other hand, appears to have very limited vision. Perhaps even tunnel vision. He may walk straight, and stick to one trajectory, but he has no idea what's around him. He's easily lost and run over.

On the surface you can easily mistake one for the other. If a man is single-minded, he will reject many opportunities, paths and routes in favour of his chosen course. He may even upset and offend others who would unwittingly divert him. An outsider, or even a friend, may see this as narrow-minded as such action is typical of those with limited vision. But should we really be worried about that?

As such, it's got to be very important to be single-minded in the things that God's called us to. We have to know the course and know what's around us. We have to see the diversions, obstacles and difficulties for what they are – things to be overcome along the way.