… make the most of every opportunity.
Summary: Christian living can be confusing. People have different ideas about what it means to proclaim the Lord. This passage presents us with an opportunity to ponder what Paul is encouraging us to do.
I have to confess that this passage makes me smile. Making the most of every opportunity sounds like something my dad would have said only he would have been talking about making money, not saving souls.
As it turns out, this is one of those passages with a lot of variation in how it is translated. For example, the 21st Century King James Version translates the verse this way:
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outsiders, redeeming the time.”
The concept of “redeeming the time” sounds different to my ear than making the most “of every opportunity.” I can see how they got where they did. Translators have to start somewhere, and then they do their best with what they have to work with.
So what did Paul really mean?
In this passage, Paul divides the world into two groups of people: believers and unbelievers.
He has told us that he wants prayers for God to “open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ …” (Colossians 4:3).
The “open door” is the opportunity to proclaim Jesus.
What did Jesus do?
How did he proclaim himself?
Well, one thing he didn’t do was to go around claiming to be someone special. He didn’t tell people that they had to believe or else. He didn’t, to my knowledge, threaten anyone.
Jesus did two things extremely well: he told stories, and he served people.
His stories were called “parables.” A parable is a nugget of truth wrapped up in a puzzle. When his disciples asked him about these stories, Jesus said:
“He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,
‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” (Mark 4:11-12)
Even his explanation was hard to understand!
Of course, you know the stories of Jesus feeding thousands and healing the sick.
Which brings up the question, “What are we supposed to do?”
Jesus’ answer is simple and direct:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)
Application: Love your neighbor, too.
Food for Thought: What type of opportunities do you think Paul had in mind?
What type of opportunities do you think Paul had in mind?
Each of us must solve a mystery of God. Ask Him why after receiving salvation through Jesus Christ, do I remain on this world?
God does not waste opportunities and has not called His children only to leave them alone to entertain themselves. He has a purpose for each and every believer remaining on earth. God has blessed, each one of us with unique gifts. When we recognize these talents and use them to share His truths with others, we not only help them but also fulfill His divine purpose for us.
Acts 17:16-21, God turns problems as opportunities! Ways to share the Gospel in a most unlikely place. He gave them something to think about.
Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Colossians 4:5, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
1 Peter 4:10, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Thank you, Ron!
What an interesting perspective. I like how you point us to God’s ability to turn problems into opportunities.
Knowing what I know about Paul, he viewed every interaction under any circumstance as an opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ.
I look at Acts 27:1-28:10 where he was boarded as a prisoner onto a ship bound for Rome, and that ship is eventually shipwrecked. Throughout the entire sequence of events, Paul never gave up on hope, and He shared that hope with the others on board. He was instrumental in God saving the lives of all those on board the ship.
I know I sometimes hold this image in my mind of Paul only preaching and teaching, but Paul was also a man. Instead of sitting quietly awaiting future circumstances, he held on to faith, and used whatever present circumstances he found himself in to glorify God. In doing so, God worked through Him. So, I think when Paul says “make the most of every opportunity” I believe he means that “the opportunity” is for us to allow God to work through us.
Thank you, Chris!
Well said! Of all the opportunities, the First Opportunity is to be changed from within.
Good comments today. Not much to add. I think the point is exactly what it says – every imaginable opportunity the Lord provides. .
Thank you, Rich!
I thought it was interesting that the “love your enemies” quote points to finding opportunities in conflict. Of course there are opportunities in helping others and serving others, plus there are opportunities in simply living a godly life – the opportunity of being an example.
Amen