Missed Opportunities

I was listening to a friend describe a person he knows, who is convinced that most ministry just happens as a consequence of just 'living our lives'. While I see a kernel of truth in that, I disagree to a larger degree.

An image comes to mind, of someone walking along through life, head down... will things get done, yes; but how much more ministry might there be around us- if we only lifted our head up, and started each day emploring the LORD to show us what He wants us to see that day, and ask Him to empower us to do whatever He calls us to. Being more intentional in our personal ministry.

It is awkward to think of all the possible missed opportunities around me on any given day, because I have chosen a myopic approach to life.

There is nothing inherently 'wrong' only taking care of what we see close to us- for that is needed; and there is a truism that 'charity begins at home'... But, how many more are out there to whom God would have us minister?

Not that everyone is called to full-time ministry either...I'm not saying that all should be be in 'full-time paid ministry'. But He does call each of us to be His witness- and to seek Him in all things...

My heart breaks for my family- and there I have my greatest responsiblity...but my heart breaks for those in my congregation, my community, my country... What might God have me do?

I was talking to a lady, and she shared how she'd recently been to a women's retreat. She had gone reluctantly to the retreat, and during it was questioning why she had even come. But, another lady from her church, in regular conversation, shared something which was incredibly valuable to the lady with whom I was talking...that comment had touched her greatly, in a wonderful way- and she was so thankful she had gone to the retreat after all!

I saw the lady who'd made the comment and without revealing the other person or subject- let her know that through a conversation at the retreat- she had blessed someone. She was very glad to know she had unwittingly been an encouragement! She was just being 'herself' and God used her to bless someone! Indeed this happens many times- and is a wonderful thing.

I have experienced the same kind of thing. This side of heaven, we will probably never know how often we have positively affected someone for the Kingdom. Very cool!

Still, I can't help think there have been many more opportunities I have missed because I wasn't on the 'alert and ready'- having been intentional in asking the LORD to open my eyes throughout the day.

Years ago, I worked in a Blood Bank- volunteers came to give life-saving blood. There were times I would have to turn someone away, because they did not meet the safety requirements- but I also had volunteer donors who'd donated multiple gallons over the years! I also worked in the apheresis department- where they had a specialized donor listing from which to try to match blood component needs of very ill patients struggling with different diseases... These blood donors were/are heroes!

There were also those who were greatly qualified to donate, but chose not to. I know they would have donated blood to a family member in need. But, for whatever reason, they would not donate to a blood bank. They would 'look after' the needs of their family- which is very good; but at the same time, missed so many opportunities to give/share a great life-gift.

In living out a Christian Witness- we are called to dimensions of service. We are called to reach out in Christian charity not only to those in our own family- but those around whom we've been placed...and beyond.

8(A)This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I (B)want you to speak confidently, so that those who have (C)believed God will be careful to (D)engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:8

18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in (A)good works, (B)to be generous and ready to share, ...1 Timothy 6:18

15but [a]sanctify (A)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (B)to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (C)hope that is in you, yet (D)with gentleness and (E)reverence; 1Peter 3:15

4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent (A)promises, so that by them you may become (B)partakers of the divine nature, having (C)escaped the (D)corruption that is in (E)the world by lust.

5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith (F)supply (G)moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, (H)knowledge,

6and in your knowledge, (I)self-control, and in your self-control, (J)perseverance, and in your perseverance, (K)godliness,

7and in your godliness, (L)brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor (M)unfruitful in the true (N)knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9For he who lacks these qualities is (O)blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his (P)purification from his former sins.

10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His (Q)calling and (R)choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never (S)stumble; 2 Peter 1:4-10

Careful, always, diligent...there is something that speaks to an intentionality here...words which can keep a grimey-film of apathy from building up over our spirtual eyes... To keep our 'windows' clear to see what the LORD would have us to see, and our hearts clear from that which would cloud His charity toward others and their needs.

The virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:4-10 do not come naturally, but they do come Supernaturally- through the Holy Spirit. It is up to us to put them into practice in our own life.

Today- who/what is the LORD showing you? He is calling you to participate in His mysterious and powerful work today- don't miss it!