Taking Advantage Of Open Doors Of Opportunity
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In the New Testament, the expressions, “great door,” “open door,” and “door of utterance,” convey the idea of opportunity and accessibility. Paul used these expressions, referring to the opportunities he had to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3).
And Jesus opened a door of opportunity for the church in Philadelphia which He said, no man could close, (Revelation 3:8). Even though an open door presents opportunities, these opportunities may be treated in different ways by brethren.
1) An opportunity to teach a lost individual may not be recognized as an open door, and consequently be no opportunity at all. Many never see opportunities to preach the gospel, so they conclude that other Christians who are successful in reaching the lost must possess great talent in doing so.
They seem blinded to the fact that these Christians do not possess some great talent, but do have a great concern for the lost, through their constant prayers and persistent contacts (Romans 10:1).
2) An open door may be seen, but passed by because someone does not have the time to enter. In today’s world, some Christians are “too busy” for the Lord’s work. They seek opportunities to talk to their lost friends about business, pleasure, hobbies, etc., but never about their souls.
People cannot claim to be putting the kingdom first who are so busy that they do not have time to teach the lost (Matthew 6:33; Matthew 28:19-20). Opportunities lost are lost forever.
3) Doors which stand open, are many times closed by a disciple’s own belligerent bluntness. Christians who claim to be trying to teach the lost, but who portray and unloving, impolite, and inconsiderate attitude in their words or demeanor, actually become stumbling blocks.
This is not to say that truth should be “watered down” and made palatable for some that do not have a love for truth (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Rather, it is recognition of a truth which states that disciples must be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” (Matthew 10:16).
To close doors of opportunity is to destroy souls, and for such action one shall surely give an account (Ezekiel 3:17-18; Ezekiel 33:7-8).
The wise man is one who would save souls (Proverbs 11:30). With the Lord’s help, he seeks to open doors — not close them. Paul used his doors of opportunity in Ephesus and Troas, and sought for even more, even while in prison (cf. Acts 16:19-34; Acts 28:16-31).
Conclusion:
Brethren, if you would reach the hearts of men, pray for opportunities to save lost souls, be able to see those opportunities, and then use them energetically (1 Corinthians 15:58).
If our efforts to reach the lost are not productive, let’s be wise enough to leave the door open— someone else may be able to enter where you have not.
Related Articles: