“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” ~Colossians 4:5

The older translations say “redeeming the time,” because, in the original Greek language, this is a commercial term. The verb means to buy it all out, like you know a good deal when you see one and you grab it. Like when you see Coconut Dr Pepper on the grocery store shelf, you buy all of them! You fill up your cart!

Like Black Friday, too, maybe. By the way, let’s be honest, Black Friday is decidedly not about Christmas shopping. The biggest Black Friday sales are on couches, mattresses, SUVs, and 300-inch TVs. You’re not buying that to give to Uncle Bill and Aunt Kay. But the idea is that I’ve got to buy this today. It’s about urgency. I’ve got to do this right now, or that price will be higher or those items will be gone. This is a pressing matter. Watch for the opportunity and then go for it.

I believe our God is moving in Midland, Texas. He is at work in your town, too. God is at work in the lives of your friends. He is doing something with your co-workers. God is drawing your next-door-neighbors closer to himself. God is pursuing everybody. He wants to be in holy community with everybody. Our God loves all people and he wants all people to be saved. And he is putting those people right in front of you. Pray for it. Watch for it. Make the most of it.

Anticipate these divine appointments with the people God is pursuing. Don’t be surprised by it. And don’t be scared. There’s nothing to be afraid of. God’s got this. He’s way ahead of you. When he puts somebody right in front of you, the absolute truth is that he’s been convincing them and drawing them and preparing them for your conversation for a while now. You don’t have to start anything. Just be alert to it and jump in.

Jesus just asked somebody for a drink of water at a well. Peter just knocked on the door at Cornelius’ house. Philip saw some guy reading his Bible and asked him if he wanted to talk. Paul asked his jailer about his grandkids. Watch for the opportunity and then make the most of it.

When God is in the middle of things, the holy potential is everywhere. So watch for it. And the make the most of every opportunity.

Peace,
Allan