The word opportunity means a set of circumstances which makes it possible to do something. The age-old proverb says, “opportunity knocks only once.” This means an opportunity that, if grasped, it 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 could be yours if you had purchased the winning ticket. However, uf you did not embrace the opportunity to buy the winning ticket at the right time, the prize would definitely not be yours.
Someone has said, “There are three things that never come back; the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.” Missed opportunities come and go leaving us with 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 always be guaranteed. Missed opportunities can result in disappointment and regrets.
The Bible says: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (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 “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). And He is the perfect example of one who did so much good during His earthly life. For example, He fed the hungry, He embraced the outcasts, He had compassion on the crowds as needed, He healed the sick, and did many more good deeds.
Christians can count on the fact that God will always present opportunities for us to do things which bring honor and glory to Him and blessings to others as well. Hence, we are exhorted, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
In Luke 10:33, the Bible presents the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and he became the victim of thieves who left him half dead on the roadside. As the helpless victim lay there, both a priest and a Levite came upon the scene and without offering aid, passed him by. Finally, a Samaritan appeared and with love, kindness, and compassion rendered the necessary aid to revive the man.
As the story goes, both the priest and the Levite missed a wonderful opportunity to reach out and assist the man who was desperate for help. Unlike them the Samaritan by embracing the opportunity and rendering the needed help. As long as life lasts, there will always be an opportunity to do good; especially where there may be a need to help someone. The question is, how many of us are willing to grasp such opportunities.
Some opportunities have been classified as “golden” because of their significance. The Samaritan undoubtedly fits this category.
Jesus said, “He must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). When the day ends, the opportunities may also end with it and thus becoming unretrievable.
This same principle can be applied in a biblical context. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV). This text refers to as the good news of salvation, and is one of the best known verses in the Bible.
“God does not love men’s sins or the wicked world system, but He loves people and is not wiling that any should perish.” Writes William MacDonald. “There is no need for anyone to perish. A way has been provided by which all might be saved, but a person must acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior. When he does this, he has eternal life as a present possession” (Believer’s Bible Commentary pg. 1479 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
By being able to read this message also provides a wonderful opportunity for you to be saved by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, and have eternal life, which is the one and only pre-condition of going to heaven. There is no other way. The Bible clearly teaches there’s only one way to heaven, and that is though Jesus Christ who has declared of Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NIV).
Believe it and act on it as tomorrow may be too late.