In our fast-paced, multitasking world, the concept of focusing on a single purpose might seem outdated or even impossible. Yet, as we deepen our walk with Christ, we discover that singleness of purpose isn’t just an old-fashioned idea—it’s a powerful principle that can revolutionize our lives and our relationship with God.

Thomas Carlyle once emphasized the importance of having the ability “to see, dare, and decide; to be a fixed pillar in the welter of uncertainty.” His words beautifully capture the essence of single-mindedness—a rare yet vital quality in a world dominated by compromise and indecision.

But what does it mean to be single-minded as a Christian? At its core, it means having one ultimate aim: to worship and serve God. This doesn’t mean neglecting our other responsibilities, but rather ensuring that every aspect of our lives aligns with this primary goal.

Too often, we major in minors and minor in majors.

The apostle Paul provides a striking metaphor in 2 Timothy 2:4: “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” His words compel us to reflect: Are we becoming entangled in the “affairs of this life” in ways that divert us from our higher calling?

In our modern world, countless demands compete for our attention, time, and loyalty. While many of these distractions aren’t inherently wrong, they can prevent us from living with an eternal focus. As E. Stanley Jones wisely observed, “Your capacity to say ‘no’ defines your capacity to say ‘yes’ to greater things.”

So, in what areas should we strive for this singleness of purpose? Let’s explore four vital facets:

1. Single-minded Devotion to Christ

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Is Jesus the One to whom we give our highest devotion? Our primary focus should be on deepening our relationship with Him. The apostle Paul expressed this beautifully when he said, “That I may know him…” (Philippians 3:10). This wasn’t just about knowing about Christ, but knowing Him deeply and intimately.

2. Single-minded Conviction

Francis C. Kelley once said, “Convictions are the mainsprings of action, the driving powers of life. What a man lives are his convictions.” In a world that often celebrates moral relativism, standing firm in our beliefs is more important than ever. This doesn’t mean being inflexible or judgmental, but rather having a clear understanding of what we believe and why, based on God’s Word.

3. Single-minded Prayer

Regular, focused prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with God, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect when life gets busy. David exemplified this in Psalm 27:4 saying, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” Is there any greater satisfaction than coming before God’s throne in believing prayer, concentrating on one thing, and seeing it come to pass?

4. Single-minded Ministry

Serving others in the name of Christ is a tangible expression of faith. Ministry isn’t about busyness or checking religious boxes, but about serving as an overflow of our love for God. Whatever our calling or gifts may be, we should approach our service to God and others with excellence and intentionality.

Too often, we major in minors and minor in majors. We need to major in majors. My mentor, T. F. Tenney frequently reminded me, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

Owen Meredith captured this truth in a poem:

“He who seeks all things wherever he goes

Only reaps from the hopes which around him he sows

A harvest of barren regrets.”

Paul exemplified this principle, famously stating, “This one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13). His intense focus on Christ empowered him to endure hardships, establish churches, and write epistles that have profoundly influenced Christianity.

However, this kind of single-minded devotion doesn’t come naturally or easily. It requires prayer, discipline, and perseverance. Jesus emphasized its importance when He said, “If your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22). In contrast, James warns that “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).

The account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 vividly illustrates the importance of singleness of purpose. Martha, preoccupied with her many tasks, prioritized her service over spending time with Jesus. Mary, however, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and absorb His teachings. Jesus gently corrected Martha, saying, “Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” This story reminds us that while serving is valuable, it should never take precedence over our relationship with Christ. Martha’s focus on elaborate preparations, though well-intentioned, was temporary. Mary’s decision to prioritize time with Jesus had eternal significance.

As we reflect on this call to singleness of purpose, consider implementing the following practical steps:

1. Evaluate our priorities and commitments regularly.
2. Practice saying “no” to good things to avoid distractions from the best things.
3. Cultivate a deep prayer life, seeking God’s guidance to maintain focus.
4. Surround ourselves with like-minded believers who encourage spiritual growth.
5. Regularly study Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape our convictions and priorities.

In a world that constantly pulls us in countless directions, may we have the courage and conviction to focus on “this one thing”—loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As we allow this love to shape our priorities and decisions, it will naturally overflow into every area of our lives. In doing so, we will not only experience greater clarity and fulfillment but also become beacons of light in a world desperately in need of direction and hope.

This blog is a condensed version of a free Bible study resource available at StephenJudd.com. The Bible study comes with a Student Handout and a Small Group Guide, both of which can be downloaded as either a PDF or an editable Word document. To access the downloads, CLICK HERE.