HomeWord - August 16, 2011

Carpe Diem
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. —Colossians 4:5-6

A group of college students went on a mission trip to China. When they returned from their trip they each shared the lessons they learned. After spending only twelve days in a country where they communicated through charades and hugs, ten people came to know Christ, and teenagers who were stand-offish when the college students first arrived, cried to see their new friends leave. These mission trip participants learned that God can do great things in a short amount of time.

What an important lesson to remember. God doesn’t need weeks or months to change lives. He doesn’t even need us to speak the same language. Each interaction, each moment, each second Christians have an opportunity to not only represent who Christ is, but to tell others about what Jesus did for each of us. You may only get one opportunity with a person to be an example or to share the good news.

Each morning remind yourself to seize the day! Don’t miss out on the opportunities the Lord has for you by running through the daily hustle bustle of normal life. Look for areas where you see God working and then make the most of those opportunities. Be ready and be wise.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are ways that you can make sure you are ready to share the good news of Jesus?

2. Pray that God would give you the opportunity to share what God has done in your life today.

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 6:1-10; Ephesians 5:15-16; Titus 2:7

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