Welcome once again, let’s travel the highway of life using the alphabet of Christianity as our ride. Today’s letter is O for OPPORTUNITY!
Opportunity is defined as 1. A favorable or advantageous combination of circumstances; a suitable occasion or time. 2. A chance for progress or advancement. The Bible counsels us, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15,16)
Sizing up and seizing our opportunities requires at least three skills:
First is discernment. In other words, reading the circumstances, gauging the wind, seeing the playing field, knowing the pros and cons, sizing up the people – and most importantly, matching your abilities and goals against these factors. The big question is this: “Is this my time?”. Is opportunity knocking or will I get knocked down. This is why the Bible says, “Be very careful…”. Consider before you commit!
Second is wisdom from God. Anybody can jump at a seeming opportunity. The question is where are you when you land? Scripture says, “Live as wise, not unwise.” Why? Because the “days are evil”. Opportunities must be questioned. Is it honest? Is is true and truthful? Is it ethical? Does it bring out the best in me? Will it help or hinder others? Will my conscience vote “yes” on it? Will it honor God? An opportunity to get ahead has taken the head of many opportunists. Every thing, every one who knocks on your door is not necessarily an opportunity – could be his cousin calamity. When we wise up we won’t fall down. Seek God’s wise will!
Third is boldness. As Scripture says, “Make the most of every opportunity.” When those favorable, advantageous combinations of circumstances arrive, they’re moving. You must move too. There’s a time to examine and there’s a time to act! Action defeats procrastination and makes it happen. It’s your commitment – you’ve signed on, your name is now on the bottom line followed by large layouts of energy and resources. Remember, God advocates “seizing the opportunity” and “making the most of it”, once you’ve cleared it through “quality control”. Discernment, wisdom, and commitment fuel your boldness and enable you for the inevitable leaps and lags of progress. As Solomon said in Scripture,“Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make you paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)
From now on, let’s make the most and best of the opportunities we see. Why? To honor God, help others and move forward in faith in our life. When you open the door and opportunity is there, give it a big hug.
Love in Christ, Chuck