We desire to make a meaningful impact in the world and naturally it seems as if a large focus is better. But often smaller is better – narrowing our focus instead of expanding it.
On the one hand, it makes perfect sense to try to expand our gifts to the largest possible audience. But often this comes with the pressure to please everyone.
And trying to keep everyone happy only waters down the depth and uniqueness of our gift.
Like generic food our gift becomes bland when we attempt to make it for everyone.
One the other hand, our gift remains sharp and fresh when we go small and package our gift for its specific audience.
Our gift is not for everyone. And this is okay.
As we stay in our lane and invest in our excellence we can better serve the people God has called us to.
And often this requires a more narrow focus of our efforts – the laser beam instead of the flashlight.
But ironically going smaller is also more exposing, as we can no longer hide behind the generic.
When our gift is for everyone then it’s essentially for no one in particular.
And as such, there’s little to no accountability in our required soul searching to discover how to offer the best version of ourselves.
Instead, we simply settle for the lowest common denominator of public taste.
But as we dig deep to offer our unique and special gifting, we are offering more of our very selves and many will still not like it.
This is often hard to accept and it’s tempting to hide again under the safety blanket of the generic.
Remember you have a one of a kind contribution to make. Don’t let it get lost in trying to please everyone.
Go small and serve well those God has given you specifically.
Photo by Two Paddles Axe and Leatherwork on Unsplash
