“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all.” Galatians 6:10 NKJV.
When you do good to others, God-given serendipities abound.
My thoughts and comments today are about “serendipities.”
When I was in school, an assignment was to read a small book, “The Three Princes of Serendip.” (Elizabeth Jamison Hodges). On their journey, the three princes “were always making discoveries, by accident and sagacity, of things for which they were not searching.” Life is like that. A word, “serendipity,” was coined describing the invaluable discoveries on the noble princes’ unplanned adventures.
Serendipities are the heart and character of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV.Jesus told two stories describing the God’s Kingdom and its serendipities – “The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field . . like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls . . [who] found one pearl of great price.” Read Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV.
“Life is what happens while you were making other plans.” (John Lennon, the Beatles). I believe one’s spiritual life is like that. While I planned for a career in architecture, God offered the opportunity of professional ministry. I never felt coercion, as though, “I had to do so,” or fail God. I would have been content with a career; God offered a providential calling with eternal reward. Read Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. More than fifty years later, I have found this journey to be a greater privilege, joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction than I could have foreseen. Solomon’s words are true, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV.
Opportunity abounds. Opportunity is everywhere, every day. “Unfortunately, there seems to be far more opportunity out there than ability . . Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work . . We should remember that good fortune often happens when opportunity meets with preparation.” (Thomas A. Edison, American Inventor). Your objective should be to recognize opportunity and make yourself available to it. A problem for many people is not that opportunities are lacking, but rather this: seeking the big opportunity you want so badly can obscure a myriad of lesser appearing but more consequential opportunities presented along the way.
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV. Instead of looking for opportunities that profit you, look for opportunities that benefit others and glorify God. Read Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV. There is no shortage of opportunities to do good. When you do good to others, God-given serendipities abound.
“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” (President Ronald Reagan). There is always something that you can do for someone that will make an eternal difference. God does not look kindly on even benign neglect. See Proverbs 3:27-28 NIV/James 4:17 NKJV. Paul reminded young Titus, “So that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:8 NKJV. As God gives opportunity, do good to all then watch what happens.
My prayer for you today is that you look for opportunities and believe in serendipities.