Make the most of every opportunity

Finals are over with. Graduations have passed. Now we're on to summer break. For most people, it's a time away from the responsibilities of school. The primary aim is rest and fun and those are both great things to do. If you never take time to rest or take time for fun, you can easily burn out and become ineffective in every part of life. Of course, indulging completely is probably even more destructive. We're warned about self-focus and living only for consumption in the Bible and research only lends its support... So, avoid the extremes, right? Find a balance and you're good... Or is there something more to strive for?

In Ephesians 5, Paul writes to encourage us to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. When you think about that, it's a pretty daunting challenge. The MOST of EVERY opportunity...? I think the first challenge is just recognizing opportunity. How often do you look back and realize you completely failed to recognize an opportunity that was right in front of you? Beyond that, I think the more tired or busy you are the easier it is to simply not want to be bothered by opportunities or anything else. (In response to that I'll point out that you already find ways to make time for what you value most.) Finally, though, there's that word "most." How do you determine the most good you could do or the most helpful thing you could say? That part gets really hard to figure out, which is why I think the living wise part comes before all this. In Proverbs, it's pretty clear that wisdom is from God and James writes that if you lack wisdom, you should ask God.

Of course, Paul makes this statement in the context of living a pure and holy life. I think it's fascinating how purity, wisdom and maximum effectiveness are all tied together in this short passage. The more I think about it, the more I see the connection.

Let's strive to make this summer something more than relaxing and having fun. Without throwing those to the side, let's look for opportunities to make an impact. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, let your life bring light into dark places. As a follower of Jesus, set the pace for others to follow.