I'd Like to Take This Opportunity...

The enemy would like to gain a foothold in our ministries and lives. In our efforts to banish evil influences from around us, we may not realize that the adversary is also disguised as an angel of light. When we have true burden for ministry, we are filled with grace, love, and compassion, which may cause us to open the pathway for opportunists and hustlers. Wisdom is to be greatly desired as we continue in ministry.

When we sense a pattern of people who always want to tell us about what the Lord is doing through them in ministry and would love the opportunity to share it with us or be a guest teacher- beware! If the only time that we receive e-mails from individuals is to promote an event, concert, book, or conference- pray. If someone constantly asks for a dance solo or spreads discord about the dance ministry leader- take note of it and seek the Lord for direction. We can more fully keep watch when we realize the subtle tactics of opportunists who seek to build themselves up more than the Kingdom.

If we notice any of these traits in ourselves, we must discontinue these worldly practices and allow the Lord to open doors for us. Humility and excellence are two traits that will lead to success. We may be guilty of trying to make something happen for ourselves before the appropriate time. Ambition will cause us to launch out and start things that we cannot complete. Thoughts of grandeur will allow us to justify selfish behavior if we do not strive to keep the flesh under subjection. Before we take the opportunity to be out in front, let us wait for an invitation to approach.

2 Corinthians 5:12 (NKJV)
For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.

2 Corinthians 11:12 (NKJV)
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.