Focus also means saying "No".

We are sent under the authority of Jesus to go and make disciples.  In our case, we're doing that cross-culturally.  I've learned to hate the word "missionary".  I'd rather just say that I work in the field of education; I'm a teacher.  And I'm also a Christian.  But, regardless of how you want to label me, what I enjoy and what I'm called to do is make disciples.

It's also true, that within this sphere of authority under Christ, He places me under the supervision of a brother who is also an authority.  I need to respect him, and be subordinate to him, as long as this subordination does not conflict with the authority that Christ has over me.

Having "focus" in my work means not getting confused over who I am ultimately accountable to.  I'm a husband, a father, a disci;e of Jesus.  There is sometimes a great deal of pressure by supervisors, organizational leaders to perform well.  I see colleagues who neglect their families for "the work".  I think that's a shame, and it's definitely not where I need to be.

It helps knowing that the work does not all depend upon us, to remember that we are just a very tiny part of a very big picture, and ours is to simply do the work that He's prepared in advance for US to do.  It helps not to believe in the hype that can come from being an "m", or field worker.  I find myself buying into that, sometimes.

What kind of witness would I be if I'm so completely stressed and distracted, and I have no peace with myself or my family, or with God?  I'm not talking about being lazy and unaccountable to anyone.  Jesus saw where the Father was already at work, and did those works.  There is so much freedom in this kind of service.  I hope I can keep this focus, with His help, until the very end.