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Opportunity

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."¹

Some time ago in a Daily Encounter I talked about having Jesus as our co-pilot. Several readers disagreed in that they said Jesus was their pilot and they were the co-pilot. That sounds noble but it's not being real or responsible. The fact is that we are totally responsible for "where we fly" (how we act, how we live, and what we do with our life). True, God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves (that's why he sent Jesus to die to save us from our sin), but he will not do for us what we can and need to do for ourselves. If he did, he would be keeping us overdependent on him instead of being interdependent with him. We need to learn that God is not a codependent—and never will be.

God has promised to give us wisdom, guidance, and direction if we ask for it, but we are still in charge of our life. We can go God's way or we can go our own way. The choice is ours. We are the ones admonished to make the most of every opportunity, and we are the ones responsible for every part of our life.

The following poem, "A Bag of Tools," by Roy L. Sharpe states it well:

    Isn't it strange
    That princes and kings,
    And clowns that caper
    In sawdust rings,
    And common people
    Like you and me
    Are builders for eternity?

    Each is given a bag of tools,
    A shapeless mass,
    A book of rules;
    And each must make –
    Ere life has flown –
    A stumbling block
    Or a stepping stone.

Realize that what you and I do with our life is our choice, and let us be wise enough to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way to do what is right and what is honoring to God.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that no matter where I live I have the opportunity to live for, and serve you. Please give me the wisdom and direction I need to always know what is the right thing to do, and the courage to do it, and to always act responsibly in every area of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV).

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