I shared this verse with the children's ministry volunteer team at my home church this morning.
I've been thinking recently about this truth. Paul encourages us to make the most of every opportunity we have to help reach and disciple people.
Make the most of every opportunity...the vast majority of people come to Christ before the age of 18.
Make the most of every opportunity...before service starts, get involved with the kids instead of standing in the back looking at your smartphone.
Make the most of every opportunity...greeters - people decide in the first few minutes of their visit if they are going to return or not. You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.
Make the most of every opportunity...led by example during praise and worship time.
Make the most of every opportunity...call each child by name when you have the opportunity. Kids listen to people who care about them. If they hear you call them by name...they will know you care about them.
Make the most of every opportunity...pray with the children and show them what it means to talk to Jesus.
Make the most of every opportunity...help children grow in their faith.
Make the most of every opportunity...help children memorize and learn God's Word.
Make the most of every opportunity...there are only 260 weekends from first grade to fifth grade. Only 260 opportunities to impact their life. Don't miss the limited opportunities we have.
Make the most of every opportunity because as Paul says in this verse, "the days are evil." We are in a battle for the next generation. The evil one is trying to capture the hearts and minds of today's children. We must get there first and help children know and follow Jesus. Back off evil one...you can't have the next generation.
Make the most of every opportunity...we have a limited amount of time to show kids how to share their faith.
Make the most of every opportunity...time moves so quickly....we will leave this world one day soon. As we stand before God, we want to hear the words, "well done good and faithful servant."
Make the most of every opportunity. Teachers and small group leaders...you have a limited amount of time each week to help children apply the truth to their life.
Make the most of every opportunity...engage with parents and partner with them in disciplining their children. You can make a difference in the short window of time you have with them at drop off and pick up before and after the service. Today, when the parents came to pick up their children, I spoke to them at the door and handed them the take home paper. I encouraged them to go over the paper with their child during the week. (p.s.- you'll get more parents engaging with this if you personally hand them the take home paper. The chance of the take home paper actually making it home goes up when you give it to the parents instead of the child.)
Make the most of every opportunity...pray God will give you opportunities to influence the children and make a difference in their life.
Make the most of every opportunity.
