Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In this passage of the Bible, Paul is telling us to make the most of every opportunity. While we know it is important to make the most of every opportunity, sometimes it can be hard to know how to make the most of every opportunity.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Each day that we wake up is a new opportunity to serve God. Nobody is promised tomorrow as each hair on our head is numbered (Luke 12:7). James, the half-brother of the Lord gives us this charge, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:4).
Our physical life here on earth is fleeting (Psalm 89:47). Christians need to live in the truth that today — this very day — could be the last day of your life.
Taking this truth to heart can help believers make the most of every opportunity and make their days count in service to God. Just like David, we can ask the Lord, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
There are many ways Christians can make the most of every opportunity. Simple things throughout your day can be turned into opportunities for service to God. Being patient, kind, and caring for others are ways to make the most of every opportunity.
When others see the genuine love, you have for God and other people, you will be a walking testimony of Jesus’ love. A small act of genuine kindness, love, or compassion can go a long way for someone who is hurting or struggling in their life.
1. Volunteering Your Service
Another way Christians can make the most of every opportunity is by volunteering their service to help others. Volunteering at the soup kitchen, the hospital, or a local school are all ways for you to shine Christ’s light to the world. Jesus tells us we are His lights to the world, and it is vital that we shine our lights bright for Him.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Taking time out of your day to volunteer might be difficult, but it is well worth the joy it will bring to your soul. Time is a gift God has entrusted everyone with and just like His other gifts, He wants us to use it for His glory. For the believer, there is no time to “waste time.”
Each second, minute, hour, day, and year is important to God. We do not want to be found guilty of wasting such a precious gift from our Heavenly Father. In addition to volunteering, you could sign up to go on a short-term mission trip with your church or a mission agency.
Spending even a week or two in an unreached area can help you make the most of every opportunity. Mission trips are known to change people for the good and help individuals place their priorities in the right places when it comes to God, life, and death.
When you serve on a mission team, you will be able to see how God is at work throughout the world in different people’s lives and you will be able to see how you fit into God’s plan for the redemption of mankind.
Jesus calls all people to be involved in taking the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20). Participating in a mission trip will help you partake in the Great Commission, and it will help you make the most of every opportunity. You will gain brand new eyes of the world after you go on a mission trip, and it just might change your life for the better.
2. Sharing Christ in Everyday Life
In your everyday life, you can make the most of every opportunity. Taking time out of your day to talk with others, pray for them, and pray over them will prove to be a good use of your time. When you take time to talk with others, it shows your genuine concern, love, and compassion for the individual.
Praying with others and praying for others will help you make the most of every opportunity as prayer is truly powerful. If you take the time to talk with others and pray with them as well as privately pray for them on your own, you will be the hands and feet of Jesus.
As a Christian, God has called you to serve Him and help others. There is no greater privilege than to serve God with your entire heart, soul, and strength. If you live out your days in service to God, you will never waste an opportunity.
You probably know many unbelievers in your own personal life. Each time you share the gospel or model a biblical truth, you are making the opportunity count. We are told unbelievers are blinded to the truth because of Satan and his lies.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).
It will take a lot of prayer, patience, and sharing of the gospel to help unbelievers to come to know the truth. It can be imitating and scary to share Christ, but the more practice you have at sharing the gospel, the more natural it will come.
Satan wants to keep you in the prison of your fear, but God has already set you free (John 8:36). You don’t have to be afraid of Satan anymore. Live in the freedom of knowing Christ and share Him with others. Tell others your testimony of how you came to know Jesus.
Why Does This Matter?
Many people will try to argue about the truthfulness of the Bible, but nobody can argue with your testimony or your own personal relationship with the Lord. Despite the Bible having been proven to be true through historicity, archeology, and the martyrs of the early followers of Christ, many people still deny it as being the Word of God.
The Bible is the complete, accurate, infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and we are wise to adhere to its teaching and instruction. God wants you to make the most of every opportunity and now you know how to make every opportunity count for Him.
For further reading:
Why Should I Make the Most of Every Opportunity?
Living the Bold Life for Christ
What Is the True Meaning of Life?
Does the Bible Actually Say That ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’?
Trusting God in the ‘How Long’
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/LoveTheWind
Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.