Using Every Opportunity

Steven’s Scribbles
“Using Every Opportunity” 
Acts 5:42

This is my favorite time of year. Generally, people are more caring, giving, loving, kind, and joyful. Basically, we as a people tend to produce more of the fruit of the Spirit from the time of Thanksgiving to Christmas. However, at the same time, I know the history of Christmas. I know that it doesn’t have biblical origins, wasn't practiced by our first century brethren, and in its earliest formation, had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. So how do I address this cognitive dissonance in my own life? I remember that our early brethren used every possible chance they could to seek and save the lost. While Christmas is not a holiday we read about in Scripture, it is an opportunity for Christians to teach the world about the Savior. I’m reminded that in Acts 5, after the Sanhedrin beat and threw out the apostles, they kept teaching Jesus every day “in the temple and from house to house”. I’m reminded of Paul at the Areopagus (Acts 17). The Athenians were worshipping every conceivable god or goddess in ignorance. However, Paul took that opportunity to proclaim the Lord Jesus in that time and what the one true God wanted them to know (Acts 17:23-31). While this is exceedingly difficult for me to do, because I am an overcorrecter, I know I need to take whatever time I can and gently lead people to the truth. I can and should use this opportunity. I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley ​