Grabbing constructive opportunities
The Creator gives plants, animals and humans the ability to create the next generation. Specific male and female cells, including their genes, merge at a specific time and place, creating a unique individual.
Each individual lives at a specific place for a specific time. Plants stay at the same place for life unless they are transplanted. Humans and animals can go to new places with new opportunities.
Evil powers give opportunities to do what is wrong for self and others; divine powers give opportunities to do what is right for self and others.
Obviously, we have to resist bad opportunities, and develop good ones. Sadly, it often seems easier to use bad opportunities than to use good ones.
Spotting and using good opportunities demands watchfulness, discretion, determination, and trust in self and God. Goodwill and a helping hand from others may help to open doors.
Some children have a keen interest in a specific career from a young age. My wife played doctor and nurse since she was three years old. It motivated her through school, and eventually her dream was realized.
For others, career choices come later in life, moulded by gradual discovery of their interests and abilities, and influenced by circumstances.
Whether career vision comes early in life or later, opportunities have to be spotted and developed on the go. All can make valuable contributions with their unique gifts and skills, which flow from their unique genetic make-up and experience.
Our sinful nature makes us vulnerable to selfishness with regard to opportunities. The drive for self-enrichment may spur me to dirty tricks that cause others harm.
You may remark, “That happens in competitive business and sports all the time: some win, others lose.” We must discern between friendly and mean competition. Driving a competitor out of business or making a fellow athlete stumble is loathsome. Society expects good neighbourliness and good sportsmanship from business rivals and athletes.
Even in war, certain tactics and weapons are not allowed by international agreements. Apart from these warcrimes, little mercy is shown by warring parties. It is also true for spiritual warfare, giving evil no foot in the door.
The Bible emphasizes that spiritual opportunities should be grabbed while they are available: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Is. 55:6). “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the time of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness” (John 12:8). “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Put your trust in the light while you have it” (John 12:35-36).