Writer
Potts Pages - Opportunity Knocks but Should You Open the Door
August 18, 2015
Did you hit the snooze button this morning? There is something satisfying about those few extra moments of sleep, isn’t there? But, hitting the snooze button too many times could mean missed opportunities.
Time is valuable. Yet, it is giving to each of us every day. We each have opportunities in the parenthesis of our time. We tend to think of opportunities as good but not every opportunity is beneficial to who we want to be or what we want for our lives, more importantly what God wants for us.
So, how do we decide when faced with opportunities whether they are ones we should take? Let’s look at four questions we can ask to determine if an opportunity is worthwhile. I am applying these questions to writers but I think the same questions can apply to other opportunities if you are not a writer.
1. Is this opportunity in line with what God has called me to do? In other words, is there anything about this opportunity that goes against what God has said in his word?
As Christian writers we know that there are certain publications and types of writing we shouldn’t do just for the money or the chance to be published. The same is true in other jobs. Lines have to be drawn if you have the opportunity to advance by doing something that is not in agreement with God’s plan for your life.
2. Does this opportunity help prepare me for what God has called me to do?
Christian writers don’t write religious material all the time any more than a college student majoring in math studies only math. We need to be well rounded and capable in the tasks that we take on. There are choices that we make each day to help us learn, grow and become our best.
3. Will this opportunity keep me from doing something more important?
Remember, we are all given time but only so much of it. Deadlines come fast and furious when we have too many things on our plate. We have to be careful to not to get so busy that we don’t do our best.
4. Will this opportunity be a way of serving others?
We each have talents that we can use to serve others. We will never get paid or get any recognition for it but it will encourage others or meet their need.
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5: 16-17) (NLT)
Time is valuable. Yet, it is giving to each of us every day. We each have opportunities in the parenthesis of our time. We tend to think of opportunities as good but not every opportunity is beneficial to who we want to be or what we want for our lives, more importantly what God wants for us.
So, how do we decide when faced with opportunities whether they are ones we should take? Let’s look at four questions we can ask to determine if an opportunity is worthwhile. I am applying these questions to writers but I think the same questions can apply to other opportunities if you are not a writer.
1. Is this opportunity in line with what God has called me to do? In other words, is there anything about this opportunity that goes against what God has said in his word?
As Christian writers we know that there are certain publications and types of writing we shouldn’t do just for the money or the chance to be published. The same is true in other jobs. Lines have to be drawn if you have the opportunity to advance by doing something that is not in agreement with God’s plan for your life.
2. Does this opportunity help prepare me for what God has called me to do?
Christian writers don’t write religious material all the time any more than a college student majoring in math studies only math. We need to be well rounded and capable in the tasks that we take on. There are choices that we make each day to help us learn, grow and become our best.
3. Will this opportunity keep me from doing something more important?
Remember, we are all given time but only so much of it. Deadlines come fast and furious when we have too many things on our plate. We have to be careful to not to get so busy that we don’t do our best.
4. Will this opportunity be a way of serving others?
We each have talents that we can use to serve others. We will never get paid or get any recognition for it but it will encourage others or meet their need.
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5: 16-17) (NLT)
Sue
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Post a Comment
Posted on: August 18, 2015
Another good one, Sue. The stewardship of time is so important, "Is" quickly becomes "was" and will it time of existence will never again be available.
Posted on: August 19, 2015
Thanks, Sue. I’ll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog - http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.
Posted on: August 19, 2015
Very well written/said. Use time wisely and never forget to tell someone you love them and also encourage the young generation to do their best. We are not promised a tomorrow. On that note, Sue, I love you and hope you have a wonderful week. Keep up the great job. I have been enjoying your articles.
Posted on: August 22, 2015
You definitely have a talent. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted on: August 23, 2015
Sue yes this is very true we much seek God in all things and line everything up with his will for us. The only way we can do this is to ask my praying and seeking his will. In life we all have made some decisions that where but spirit lead. I really believe most failure that we make are from failures to pray and seek God’s.Great Message Sue thank you:)