Life is filled with missed opportunities. Sometimes the
opportunity slips through one’s fingertips; other times it may not even be
recognized. It is well known that dwelling on missed opportunities can be
unhealthy. So, it is not my intention to drudge up missed opportunities
from your past. Rather, consider whether or not you have missed
opportunities for God.
Biblical history is also filled with missed opportunities.
A generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt missed the opportunity
to enter Canaan and instead perished in the wilderness. Men like Esau and
King Saul (and nearly every other king in Israel and Judah) had opportunities
for God that fell by the wayside. Solomon may be the greatest biblical
example of missed opportunities. He had the wealth to engage in any
project (1 Kings 10) and the knowledge needed to lead the entire nation in the
ways of God (1 Kings 3). Within the context of these opportunities,
Solomon paved the way to divide the nation and led many away from God and into
idolatry.
Matthew 25 exemplifies missed opportunities. Five maidens
missed the very thing for which they waited (25.1-13). One wicked servant
failed to utilize his master’s talent (25.14-30). In the great judgment
scene of Matthew 24.31-46, one group missed the opportunity to serve the Lord
by serving the least of those who belonged to Him. In turn, they missed
the greatest opportunity this world has to offer – eternity with God.
The Bible assures Christians that they have everything they need
to be successful in the work related to God (Romans 8.37; 2 Timothy
3.16-17). This can only happen when God is first in one’s life
(Philippians 1.21). If God is not first, what happens when there is a
conflict of interest (Matthew 6.24)? In order to make the most of our
opportunities, we need to begin to develop the very mindset of Jesus. His
food was to do the will of the Father (John 4.34).
--Rob Berghost
I do not miss opportunities when it comes to things that I
love. In fact, I go out of my way to search for opportunities – and so do
you. Opportunities abound every day to grow, teach, and be an example in
God’s kingdom.
Lord, help me not miss opportunities.
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