The word " opportunity " is defined as " a favorable or advantageous time or occasion."It is derived from two words meaning "before" and "harbor," because it is when the ship is before the harbor that the mariner's opportunity has come to reach his goal.
A man's opportunities, therefore, are those occasions when the objects of his life can be attained, or when progress can be made in accomplishing his purposes.
What then are the Christian's opportunities? What are the objects of his life? Scripture speaks plainly on this question. First; toward men, he is an ambassador of Christ (John 17:18; 2 Cor. 5:20). Second; regarding himself, his goal is the glory (2 Pet. 1:10, 11). And third; in relation to God, the Christian's aim is to glorify Him and to know Christ (i Cor. 6:20; Phil. 3:7-14).
These great objects, of course, are impossible of attainment by the unregenerate man, and are made possible only to those who are partakers of the divine nature. On the other hand, the degree to which these objects are attained depends on the faithfulness with which the Christian "redeems the opportunities" (Col. 4:5, J. N. D.)
Think for a moment of the vast difference that exists between Christians in this respect. One is scarcely to be distinguished from a worldling, while another ministers Christ to men on every side and is a channel of eternal blessing to precious souls. One is a half-hearted Christian, "saved so as by fire;" another is a good soldier of Jesus Christ, marching on to an abundant entrance in the glory, where a crown of righteousness awaits him. One has little practical acquaintance with God; another suffers the loss of all things in order to win Christ.
In the light of these truths we conclude, therefore, that a Christian's opportunities consist of every occasion which may be used to foster these blessed objects.
What then are we to think of the saying, '' I never get any opportunity "? It does not sound like the language of faith. "If I could begin," "If my circumstances were different," are too much on the lips of God's people. Scripture says, "All things work together for good to them that love God;" and if this be true, the circumstances of every Christian must be the best suited to his needs.
Circumstances may not be pleasant, but God loves His own too well to let temporal ease rob them of eternal blessing. It is a blessing in disguise when "we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world." Even such a time of humiliation is an opportunity to be restored in soul; to be exercised as to our path, and cultivate the peaceful fruits of righteousness.
Opportunities, then, are ever present with us:they may not be the kind we would choose, but they are those that God sends in perfect wisdom. In times of trouble we learn our weakness; in deliverance, we see God's power; in sorrow we experience His comfort; and in joy His grace.
Some one may still insist that they have few opportunities, and quote in support of this, " Ye lacked opportunity" (Phil. 4:10). This relates to a particular object-ministering to the apostle;-we see,
in ver. 16, that they had in the past been conspicuous in ministering to him, and were again sending by the hand of Epaphroditus. Doubtless, it was for a very good reason that God did not give them another opportunity in the meantime, possibly that they might minister to others, but we should carefully note that this passage does not teach that opportunities were lacking to do the will of God in the fullest way. When therefore we purpose to do something which we believe is according to God, and no opportunity is presented, let us patiently wait God's time and see that we do not neglect those things that are at hand.
It is a great mistake to slight opportunities because they are small. The greatest born of women esteemed himself unworthy to do the most menial service for Christ. The majesty of the One we serve transforms the humblest office into one of highest honor. We get God's estimate of small opportunities used for Him in the story of the widow's two mites, and in the reward for a cup of cold water given in Christ's name.
When a Christian manifests a restless, dissatisfied spirit, it is because he does not realize the manifold opportunities which God has set before him. The apostle said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content;" and he states as the mind of the Spirit, "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." What peace of mind this truth would foster if we gave it full place in our thoughts; and what joy and courage would be ours if we always realized the blessed fact that " His divine power hath given to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).
As we have to watch against the evil of discontentment with our lot, so also we need to avoid carelessness in our conduct. It is true that we always have opportunities which may be used for, God, but it is also true that opportunities may be lost. "The poor ye have always with you but Me ye have not always." In view of the brevity of life, the thought of neglected opportunities is very sad. Many Christian deathbeds are touched with sorrow because of a life misspent. So much good to others not done; so much treasure laid up on earth and missed in heaven-so little done for God's glory! It has been said that one who serves Christ only near the end of his life is making an offering to God of the devil's leavings.
A few practical examples of neglected opportunities will help us. A young brother has been for years where there is sound teaching and gifted ministry of the Word, but for lack of exercise lets it pass with little profit and spiritual growth. Circumstances then place him at a distance from his brethren, where he is hard pressed by evil teaching, and keenly realizes his ignorance of the Scripture and lack of spiritual power. Another is listless in prayer-meetings and perhaps perfunctory in his private reading, and he wonders why his ministry is not appreciated, or why so few doors are open. The reason is that opportunities for gaining power and freshness have been neglected. Still another feels his lack of usefulness, but when a chance to speak for Christ is presented, courage fails, and another precious opportunity is gone. We will invariably find that those who sigh for opportunities are those who refuse to improve them when they are at hand. If we enter every door, no matter how insignificant, we will find much blessing inside. If we redeem the smallest opportunities, we will be given greater:" to him that hath shall more be given." Brethren, little do we think of the eternal riches which we are letting slip, which might be treasured up in heaven.
Just one more thought. There are opportunities before every one of us so glorious that the archangel well might covet them. All have the privilege to bear testimony to Christ and confess Him in the scene of His rejection (Matt. 10:32). We can "suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29) "and if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." We can now walk by faith (John 20:29). We can stand fast in a day of declension (Rev. 3:ii) and have sweet communion with the Lord (Rev. 3:20).
May the Lord open our eyes to these things and encourage us to press on until we see His loved face, and hear Him say, " Well done . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." A. S. L.