Opportunity refers to a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. The age-old proverb says, “Opportunity knocks only once.” Properly applied, means an opportunity that, if grasp, would definitely give the individual only one chance to do something that would bring fulfillment or yield “super” benefits. Take for example when a prize can be yours if you purchase the winning ticket. If the winner did not embrace the opportunity to buy that ticket, the prize would not be theirs.
Some one said, “Three things that never come back; the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.” Opportunities come and go. There are only two options; either embrace them or let them pass by. Therefore, we must identify and make the very best use of our opportunities because a second chance cannot be guaranteed. Missed opportunities can result in missed possibilities. However, there are times when the same opportunity does present itself again. Somewhat rare but it happens.
The Bible exhorts us that “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10). A major component of the Christian life and service is to do good to others in the world and especially those of God’s family, that is “born-again” Christians. Jesus Christ Himself “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Jesus is the perfect example of one who did so much good during His earthly life. He fed the hungry, embraced the outcasts, had compassion on the crowds, healed the sick, and many more good deeds. We are also urged, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). God will present the opportunity for us to do things that will bring honor and glory to Him and blessings to others.
In Luke 10:33, the Bible gives the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who became the victim of thieves that left him half dead. As the helpless man lay there, both a priest and a Levite passed him by without offering to help. Then a Samaritan came up on the scene and having compassion rendered aid to the man. The lesson here is that both the priest and Levite missed a good opportunity to help the man desperately in need. But the Samaritan embraced the opportunity and rendered the needed help. As long as life lasts, there will always be opportunities to do good and help others in need. Some opportunities are referred to as “golden opportunities” because of the resulting significance. The Samaritan’s opportunity was a “golden one.”
Jesus said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). When the light goes out, so goes the opportunity because when the night appears the opportunity cannot be retrieved. This means when a person misses an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior, that opportunity may never come again. The same applies to proclaiming the good news of salvation, we need to embrace the time while it is possible because the time will come when it is too late. As Christians, we should be “making the best use of the time” (Colossians 4:5).