Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Posted on 05. Jun, 2009 by Michael Plaege in Who is Jesus?
The time is short. The end is near. The fields are ready for harvest. Sound familiar? The New Testament writers are not backward in coming forward about the times in which we live. The Apostle Paul says ‘Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders’ and ‘make the most of every opportunity’ (Colossians 4:5). Sharing the good news of Jesus can seem a daunting task but let me suggest you start small and do it as often as you can.
To begin, I think we underestimate the influence we can have on those we come into contact with on a daily basis – the local shopkeeper, the neighbour, the workmate, and the visitor to our home. Be bold and speak a word about Jesus as you have opportunity. People are more interested than you think.
I am always amazed at the kinds of conversations I find myself in everyday situations (then again I am a Pastor!), at social gatherings or even throughout the course of conducting business at a shopping centre. I recently spoke with one retailer for half an hour as he discovered I worked for the church. He wasn’t a Christian but he had many questions and things he wanted to share as an outsider. On another recent occasion I struck up a conversation with a late night petrol station attendant and he asked me what I did for work. For the next 10 minutes we talked about the Christian faith and I had opportunity to give him a tract on how to become a Christian I keep in my glove box. I left the service station with him reading and considering the tract.
This year we have the ‘Essential Jesus’ Gospels to give away – even better! You never know when you might have opportunity to give one away. Recently, a man came to my door selling child sponsorship. We had a great conversation about why there is suffering in the world and what God has, is and will do about it. He told me he had considered the Christian faith in the past and spent a lot of time ‘on the road’ for his job. I asked him if he wanted to read Luke’s Gospel and he said ‘yes’. He left with a copy of ‘The Essential Jesus’ to read and think about it.
A couple of Sundays ago as part of our church doorknocking program Phil and I met a university student who when we asked if she would like a copy of Luke’s Gospel replied ‘Thanks, but I’ve already got one!’ She was given one at Easter at the local train station! Pray that she reads it and discovers who Jesus is.
Making the most of opportunities in your life is not rocket science. Try these steps:
- Pray for opportunities
- Look for opportunities
- Be bold – you only live once, and the time is short!
- Trust God for the results & meet some new people in the process!
If you have a good story why not share it on our website by posting a comment. I’d love to hear how you’re going in making Jesus known in your world.
