Opportunists

Riotous rebellion and protests are sweeping across America. Looting, vandalism, shootings, beatings, and out of control mobs disrupt the peace we all long for. It is a time of crisis sparked by a horrible incident of brutality resulting in the senseless death of a young man – truly a genuine tragedy. But the aftermath is increasing tragedy and destruction – more deaths, more brutality, numerous injuries, fires, more grieving families, fear, hostility, unrest. Businesses, just beginning to reopen after forced closures from the pandemic, now destroyed. Police targeted, ambushed and murdered. Even children’s hospitals are not exempt from the violence! No amount of logic or reasoning can make sense out of what is happening. How could further murder and destruction compensate the family grieving the loss of their son, brother, father?

Those participating in these actions are opportunists at their worst! They are ruthlessly exploiting the circumstances to satisfy their own rage, greed, selfish desires, and lust for power. Their evil actions dishonor the family of the one they say they are staging protests for!

If you find these actions disturbing consider the source! This type of behavior has no ethical, moral motive but rather is promoted by the one Jesus called “a murderer from the beginning” and “the father of lies,” the “evil one” and “the enemy.” (John 8:44, Matthew 13:19, 39). 

The Apostle Paul called him “the god of this world,” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2). 

The Apostle John speaks of “the serpent of old…who deceives the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9) The Apostle Peter says he “prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) 

Satan (the devil) is an opportunist!

Actions declare who our father is! 

Actions demonstrate allegiance. 

The Apostle Paul says “do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:27) We give him opportunity when we are controlled by our own emotions and attitudes rather than being controlled by the Spirit of God. (See Romans 7: 8-11; Matthew 26:16)

Instead of violence, when warning his disciples of coming persecution, Jesus said it would “lead to an opportunity for your testimony.” (Luke 21:13)

Paul told believers to “make the most of every opportunity” by responding with gracious speech. (Colossians 4:5 NASB) He said our freedom was not to be turned into “an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) He continues, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

So as we continue through these next few weeks and months, consider the challenge of Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

We have opportunities – 

to speak good, 

to do good, 

to serve well,

to give witness, 

to share hope, 

and to love one another. 

Let’s do that!

Blessings,

Ruth