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Missed Opportunities

Missed Opportunities

 

Have you ever missed out on an opportunity of any kind?  We all have I am sure.  In Galatians 6:10, the Bible states, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  The question is, “How often do we make an opportunity

 

We live in a progressive society where it is easy to get wrapped up in our lives. Sometimes we concentrate on planning for the future along with the possibilities that the future holds; however, it is easy to lose sight of the benefits today can bring. Planning for the future is important, but it can also be dangerous.

It is unfortunate when this mentality invades our spiritual lives. When we focus on the future, it is easy to overlook the opportunities to teach and help others.  Take a moment to think over the past week. How many people did you teach the gospel, or how many people did you assist as a Christian? Opportunities are there, but do we see them?

For example, what excuses can you give for not teaching others? Some examples are, “I am teaching others through my example,” or, “That is why we have the Bible where they can read for themselves.”

People may not come to understand the Gospel by watching the way you live your life. It is important that we set a Christian example. Matthew 5:14-16 states, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This describes the Christian as the light of the world, a light that cannot be hidden. There is a problem when Christians rely solely on their example as a means to teach. I find this excuse ironic. There are several Christians who claim to teach others through their example, but they are not good examples. Your example should be used to emphasize what you teach. Your example can help you or hurt you when teaching others.

The Christian is a soldier involved in spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul describes, what we call, the armor of God. Among the items mentioned, the word of God is described as the sword of the Spirit. If you were to talk to a soldier, he would tell you the weapon is only as effective as the soldier carrying it. The sword is nothing if no one uses it. In view of that, the word of God loses a great deal of its power when it is taught without a teacher. The Bible is our instrument used to teach others.

God does not expect extraordinary people to teach, He just expects people to teach. When the Gospel was first being taught, after Christ ascended to Heaven, Christ chose ordinary men to spread the Gospel. There was nothing spectacular about the twelve apostles. They were simple and plain men.

I fear, on judgment day, many people will stand condemned before God because they did not live the Christian example and did not teach others. This reality should not be taken lightly.

 Be cautious that you do not get carried away merely in the search for opportunities. Make the opportunity to teach others about Jesus, and daily live the Christian example.  If you do these, you will be able to stand before God justified rather than condemned.
 
Jimmy



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