Thursday, February 2, 2023
Last weekend, Pastor Ben, being a steward (not owner) of Godly wisdom, presented yet another angle of winning to his audience—“Win with Those Around You.” Today’s focus is making the most of it. For optimum results, take this step after seeing reality and after seeing opportunity potential.
Applying Godly principles is similar to the pre-flight guidance passengers receive on how to properly apply an oxygen mask. In an airplane, if you run out of oxygen yourself, you won’t be able to help anyone else with their oxygen mask. When it comes to Christianity, it is hypocritical to apply Godly principles to others, if there has been a failure in applying the same principles to oneself. I recently had the opportunity to live out this idea of “making the most of it”.
I am forever grateful, and remain in awe, as I reflect on gentle conversations God arranged for me during a recent trip to Arizona. It made no sense to me, whatsoever, to travel to Goodyear, Arizona, for the launch of Purpose Church and not visit a sibling who lives nearby.
Important conversational groundwork was established when we dined together Friday evening. It was a jaw-dropping moment when my sibling told me they had forgiven our other sibling. That was a monumental statement! This sibling had had a L-O-N-G checklist of the countless times they had been wronged and/or taken advantage of by our other sibling.
It did my soul good to begin a conversation I had felt burdened to address during my visit—my sibling’s spiritual condition. Their spiritual burden within me was real. How could it not be? Choosing to not forgive another is deadly, spiritually speaking.
Within 24 hours, God arranged for me to both hear firsthand that my sibling had found forgiveness and for me to state how spiritually important offering that forgiveness is for the soul. I gently offered, “The Bible says we should forgive others just as God has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). God forgives our sins based on our willingness to forgive others.” (Mark 11:25-26). When we forgive freely, it points to our understanding of the forgiveness we’ve been given.
The truth I shared that afternoon is a truth my sibling had heard decades ago. The decision to forgive placed my sibling in the proper position to know God could and would forgive their sins via genuine repentance. Sharing that eternal truth was indeed a privilege! I’m thankful I could make the most of the opportunity I had.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NASB)
15 So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
Questions:
Which spiritual principles are weak links in your Christian walk and may be keeping you from stepping into opportunities with others? Why is “making the most of it” a struggle for you? What areas of spiritual immaturity keep you from “making the most of it” with others?
Next Steps:
Consider how you can live wisely. If there is someone who needs forgiveness in your life, take a moment to remember and thank God for the forgiveness you have been given through Jesus and ask him to help you forgive them.
Join a Group and surround yourself with others on the path to live wisely as we are encouraged to do.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for demonstrating to me, again, that you are at work in the lives of those I love the most. Because I often lack the ability to see it firsthand, I fail to believe spiritual change is taking place. Please forgive me for thinking it is for me to always see when you are working behind the scenes. Help me remember the spiritual struggles within me, allowing me to be patient and more loving to others on my path. Help me to listen, really listen, to those needing validation and acceptance—ultimately yours, not mine. Guide me in offering digestible doses of your truth to others. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.
This post was written by Karen Peck. Karen retired in March 2018 from Lucas County Information Services. She has been married to her husband, E. Michael, for over forty years. Karen is extremely grateful retirement has afforded her several soul-fulfilling opportunities to engage in deeper, meaningful relationships with Him and others.