Making the Most of the Opportunity

The word opportunity is very often used in today’s culture. We speak of things like job opportunities with our co-workers. We ask about opportunities on things like the stock market to hear of a good tip with family and friends. We even express regret over a missed opportunity.

One wouldn’t naturally think of the word opportunity being used the the Bible. But it is used and used often. Webster’s defines the word opportunity as “1-A favorable juncture of circumstances or 2- A good chance for advancement or progress.” The second definition describes how the Bible uses it.

Just like we experience opportunity at work for example, we too, can experience opportunities in our spiritual life. How? It’s quite simple. At times in our life & even in the course a day, there are options that are presented to us. These options are choices. But really, these choices are opportunities. We make a choice and depending on what we choose, we are either progressing to, or regressing away, from God. When we choose the plan that is away from God we will experience a lost or missed opportunity. But when we choose the path that God wants us to take, clearly we make the most of that opportunity. As a result we will advance or progress to more of God’s blessings and abundance.

Remember the story in the Bible about the Talents? Three men were given talents or money to watch for the master while he was away. When the master returned he asked his three servants about the how they used the talents. The first and second man took the money and doubled it in the time the master was gone. But the third man did not. Why? He was afraid to lose his master’s money so he buried it. Trying to protect his master’s money is fine but he missed a big opportunity. He didn’t handle the money wisely and was chastised as a result. This story is a great illustration of what happens when we don’t make the most of the opportunity. God gives us situations to see what we’re going to do just as the master gave the money to the three servants. It’s up to us not to bury our opportunities. When something is buried it’s in a dark place. There’s no air & there’s lots of stuff piled on top of it. Let’s not do that to God’s opportunities. Let us embrace them & seize them!

But how do we find these opportunities?
Remember their just decisions in disguise. Here are just a few examples:

- Do I choose to be nice to this check-out person in the store or do I give him or her the same negative attitude back to them that they are giving me?
Opportunity
- Do I give up a few hours a month to do some volunteer or charity work or do I spend those hours with the remote control in my hand?
Opportunity
- Do I speak my mind to a family member to make a point or do I choose not to get into an argument to keep peace for my family?
Opportunity

These are all wonderful opportunities to advance and progress with the Lord! But as great as these opportunities are it is still not always going to be so easy to do. It is hard. It seems to almost go against our human nature sometimes and it is! But always remember we won’t be here forever. We are not of this world. More is expected of us.

The Bible says:

“Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity.” (Eph 5:15)

“So then, while we have we opportunity, let us do good to all….” (Gal 6:10?)

So don’t miss out. Webster’s definition is true. This is a chance for advancement or progress. So not only don’t miss the opportunity but seize it! You’ll be glad you did but most important God will be pleased!
God Bless You!
To Him Be the Glory!