Vol. 21 No. 35 | September 2, 2019
In a letter Paul wrote to Christ’s followers, he reminded them that living as a Christian comes with the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive impact on the people and world around them.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV)
“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick.
Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4:5-6, The Message)
Make the most of every opportunity…
Although I’ve probably read and shared these words a hundred times, this time, more than ever before, I felt like Paul was talking to me. I’m a follower of Jesus, which means I have the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive contribution to the people and world around me.
As I reflect on the past week, I realize I had countless opportunities to positively impact the world around me. There was the conversation I had with the customer service representative, who was clearly misinformed and mistaken…I’m not sure I made her world any better that day.
There were other conversations- with insurance agents, baristas, social media connections, family, friends, and co-workers. I wonder, did I help make their day or world any better? Did my words, attitude, and demeanor bring out the best in them?
Deeper reflection reminds me of the countless opportunities and tremendous responsibility we have to improve the world around us, even if it’s in the smallest way.
We are surrounded by people who are afraid, discouraged, and hopeless. Are we doing anything to relieve their fears, lift their spirits, and give them hope? Or are we letting our own fears and hopelessness consume and paralyze us.
In the same letter referenced above, Paul also wrote, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The society we live in seems to exalt arrogance and pride. But are these qualities we would use to describe Jesus? If Jesus resides within us, should these be qualities we exalt and praise? I don’t think so. So instead, we have to seize the opportunity to demonstrate humility and grace.
We can remain silent or complain about the hatred, discrimination, and violence we see around us. Or, we can invite the Spirit of God to work in and through us and act with peace, love, and tolerance.
On any given day, we will have dozens of opportunities to say something encouraging, lend a helping hand, share something inspirational, or just be kind and gracious. These opportunities are gifts, both to have and to share.
Friends, we can no longer afford to be complacent. We can no longer be so consumed with our own needs and agendas that we pass up opportunities to make the world a better place.
We can do better. We must do better…the world needs us.
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