PASTOR’S CORNER, Pat Mann, Chaplain, Liberal Good Samaritan Center, Liberal
Galatians 6:10 KJV – “ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Perhaps you have had times when a great opportunity just “fell in your lap,” so to speak. The door swings open, inviting you to take advantage of what is before you. Could be a financial opportunity, a proposal of marriage, a chance for a better life, or an opportunity to be a good Samaritan, giving a helping hand to make someone else’s life better. Some occupations are like that, just teeming with opportunities to serve one’s fellow man.
Other opportunities are not so obvious. Sometimes you don’t see the opportunity until you push on the door a little to see what is there. Some people work to make good opportunities by getting a good education or practicing for hours, reaching for excellence so that their chances for great opportunities are more likely. Most of the time it is not as simple as going through an open door. A push may be needed, but you do not have to break down the door which may be closed to you. Leave that one alone.
I know a young lady who has a criminal record, having done time in the county jail. She has been out of jail for several years now and supporting herself however she can, realizing how opportunities are not so open to someone with a criminal record. Her goal for this year is to work toward getting her record expunged so her horizon of opportunity will broaden. I am glad to report she has reached that goal – no criminal record.
Not every kind of opportunity is a positive one. It may have the face of a good opportunity, but leads to a bad outcome. Three times in my life I have received letters inviting me to join some secret society. Membership in that society can put me in touch with famous and powerful people who can show me how to increase my wealth beyond expectations. Red flag! They also tell me that this will be my only opportunity to join their club. Lie! So far, I have had at least three such invitations. I respond with a letter telling them that they would not want me because I have a hard time keeping secrets, which they require. I tell them my faith group calls me to go everywhere and tell everyone. I tell them I do not need to accept their offer because as a follower of Jesus Christ, I have riches laid up for me that would stagger their imagination, plus being able to enjoy it for eternity. I usually close my response letters by saying, “I don’t need what you’ve got, but I feel you probably need what I’ve got.”
Whatever opportunity comes your way, evaluate it carefully by prayer to seek God’s will. Opportunities to “do good” to others are likely the kinds that have God’s approval, according to the verse above. Could be that there may be times when you are overwhelmed with such opportunities. In any case, it is important to stay in touch with the Lord for guidance. There are plenty of people who would be glad to take advantage of your generous heart, and you might only make things worse for them if you do too much (speaking from experience). Let the Lord be your guide.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
