Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Twice in the Apostle Paul’s letters, he gave instructions regarding living a life of faith among those who lack faith. Embedded in a longer set of instructions, he used the same phrase. “Make the most of every opportunity.” His directive, “Make the most of every opportunity” is amid a description of attitudes, words, and actions that describe his directive. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) Making the most of every opportunity requires several things. Every believer must have their eyes, ears, and hearts open to sense “every opportunity.” It is easy in our fast-paced, divisive, mind your own business, to miss opportunities. Seeing, hearing and sensing” every opportunity often requires slowing down, listening, observing and empathy. Here is a list of the other attributes, attitudes, and characteristics necessary to “make the most of every opportunity.” Carefulness is living. Wisdom. Acting thoughtfully towards others. Understanding what the Lord wants. Gracious and attractive speech. Understanding the right response in each situation. Making the most of every opportunity is an enormous calling. It is not something I can do in my strength. When I try to make the most of every opportunity in my strength or thinking, I fall far short of “making the most.” Making the most of every opportunity requires dependence on the Spirit. In another of Paul’s letters, he gave instructions about relying on the Spirit. “I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:16, 25 (NLT) Holy Spirit, teach us, lead us and empower us to see, hear, sense and “make the most of every opportunity.” AMEN