A Season of Opportunity
Have you checked the Northside calendar recently? When you combine our church family schedule with your own family schedule, and then you lay on top of those two things the various activities in the holiday season … it can be overwhelming. It can be very easy to look at the “mountain of opportunities” and give in to the temptation to sit quietly and wait for January! My self-encouragement is to not disengage, to not let others carry the load for a while.
Several Northsiders take on additional service opportunities at this time of year (when I mention two or three of them, no doubt I will miss others). The MAGI boxes have already been filled and were be delivered to school-age children who would otherwise have a pretty modest Christmas. Our holiday baskets have been a blessing to many of our older members, not just the basket of goodies, but the chance to have someone come to their home and chat for just a few minutes.
On Wednesday, 12/11, we have our monthly Family Fellowship Meal; Sunday, 12/15, after evening services, we have the Northside Children’s Play and Candlelight Carols; Sunday, 12/29, we have a special worship and fellowship opportunity to support Silver Maple Camp.
The Apostle Paul was concerned that Christ-followers look for opportunities, not just to fellowship and celebrate a holiday season, but to serve others. He wants us to be fully engaged inside our church family, but also with good people outside Northside.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6.10). We have a challenge to serve and to do good, but everyone has limited resources. Each family must care for itself, then the church family, and then outside the church.
“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5.16). And, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2.10). Where would our society be without the church? “The days are evil” is quite an understatement, but God has prepared each of us to do our part. Our God is proud of us (we are His handiwork!) and there is a purpose for our lives.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4.5). Each week as we plan our daily activities, there many choices to be made, but God wants us to make the most of every opportunity. Get your rest and jump in to a busy season of opportunities.