There are plenty of opportunities for churches and non-profits to get distracted from their vision. Similarly, leaders can find themselves fighting to stay focused on what matters most. Sometimes leaders have to distinguish between an opportunity and a distraction. But other times they have to deal with people-driven distractions.

The idea of people-driven distractions creates a bit of cautionary pause. Putting “people” and “distractions” in the same sentence sounds somewhat unspiritual. People matter to God, and they should matter to leaders. Viewing people as secondary is a distraction in itself.  Perhaps a biblical example will help. Consider the Old Testament visionary named Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was determined to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. His vision was born out of a deep awareness of a need, a relentless passion for his people, and an intense season of personal prayer. But just because a vision comes from God doesn’t mean distractions won’t surface, particularly people-driven distractions.

As the project neared completion, distractions started flooding in. Three leaders – Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem – began insisting that Nehemiah meet with them. Nehemiah 6:1-3 says:

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (NLT)

Nehemiah refused to let anyone rob him of his focus. What was the result? The wall around Jerusalem was completed in only fifty-two days. Because he remained focus on the vision, three things happened to Nehemiah’s enemies. They were:

• Frightened
• Humiliated
• Convinced that God helped Nehemiah

So what were the people-driven distractions Nehemiah had to overcome? There were three. And they’re actually not that different from the distractions we face today. While they may show up in different clothes, these people-driven distraction are alive and well:

1. Invitations

Nehemiah’s distraction began with an invitation to meet with Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Invitations are the easiest distractions to deploy, and possibly the most tempting to heed. At first, invitations can sound flattering…and sometimes they are. But leaders have to clarify priorities, set boundaries, and learn to say “no.”

If I accepted every invitation I received, I wouldn’t have time for my family. If I answered “yes,” to every ministry event sponsored by a fellow leader or pastor, I wouldn’t have time to pastor the church that God has called me to. In other words, every “yes” to someone’s invitation equals a “no” to something in my personal or ministry roles. Sometimes the trade-off is worth it. But when the trade off sacrifices my highest priorities, my closest relationships, or the vision God has called me to steward, it’s nothing more than a distraction, regardless of who issued the invitation.

Not sure if an invitation is worth the trade-off? Let these questions be a starting point to determine if the invitation is worth your time:

• Will this invitation diffuse our church or organization’s vision or focus?
• Will this invitation leverage my strengths for a greater good?
• Will this invitation strain my relationships with my family and staff?
• Will this invitation make a meaningful difference for somebody else?
• What was the result of me saying “yes” or “no” to this person or organization’s last invitation?
• Does this person or organization respect my time when I accept their invitation?
• One week from now, will I be glad I accepted this invitation?
• What is at stake for our church or organization if I accept this invitation?
• Does the current season of my life (and schedule) allow me to accept this invitation and maintain a healthy and sustainable pace?

If you’re still not sure whether to accept an invitation, reflect on the trade-offs you’ve made in the last 6 months. Make a list of each trade-off and then ask yourself this question: “On a scale from one to ten, how worthwhile was the trade off I made for this invitation?” What insights can you glean that could inform your decision regarding your current invitations? Your honest answers might surprise you.

2. Insistence

Unfortunately, some people can’t take “no” for an answer. That’s what happened to Nehemiah. The invitations he received had multiple cousins. Nehemiah 6:4-5 says, “Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand” (NLT).

Get the picture. The invitations Nehemiah received had a boomerang effect. They just kept coming back over and over and over again. These leaders were insistent on Nehemiah changing his mind. Imagine how Nehemiah felt. Guilt? Second-guessing himself? Can you relate?

How many times have you been guilted into responding “yes” to someone’s invitation when you knew it was a poor use of your time? Maybe it was the invitation to serve on a team. Perhaps it was an event sponsored by a group that you’re affiliated with. The team surely consisted of good people (maybe even friends), and the event undoubtedly had good intentions. But the moment you answered “yes” to the insistent onslaught of invitations, you were no longer leading. Somebody had hijacked your time and robbed you of your focus. Nehemiah wouldn’t have anything to do with it.

Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying. I’m not saying that you’re too good for someone’s invitation. Nor am I suggesting that you should only do things that benefit you. God’s Kingdom is far bigger than you. You are a servant in HIS Kingdom. But when you answer “yes,” there needs to be a purpose. What’s the “why” behind your “yes”? If you can’t identify the “why,” don’t let the squeaky wheel rob your focus.

3. Intimidation

If you keep saying “no,” eventually subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) forms of intimidation set in. For Nehemiah, it was the “not so subtle” form. These leaders concocted a strategy to intimidate Nehemiah by spreading lies about his motive for rebuilding the wall. But Nehemiah refused to buy it. He wouldn’t let this people-driven distraction derail his efforts. Verse nine and thirteen say:

“They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination…They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.” (NLT)

Have you ever let intimidation keep you from doing what you knew you should do? How many times has the fear of consequences distracted you from staying focused on your vision? When has intimidation led you to sin? There will always be someone to tell you why you can’t do something, how you’re inadequate, or even question your motives. But don’t let intimidation dictate your vision. You can fear God or you can fear man. The moment intimidation drives your “yes,” the fear of man has robbed your focus.  Instead, like Nehemiah, let the intimidation fuel your determination.

So what do you do when people-driven distractions coming rushing into your line of sight?

This is a critical question because you will experience these distractions for the entirety of your leadership journey. Somebody will always want something. When that happens, set aside some time to pause and reflect.

Courageous and thoughtful reflection is the antidote to people-driven distractions.

Giving a quick “yes” often results in regret. Giving a quick “no” may result in missed ministry opportunities to people in need. Slow and thoughtful reflection equips you with the courage to appropriately deal with people-driven distractions.