WARNING AGAINST OPPORTUNISM. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:
“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who controlled the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been destroyed, I will become wealthy!’”
Ezekiel 26:2

Observation:
As God reveals his plans of Judgments over Tyre, He discloses his distaste for opportunism. As Jerusalem was being punished and lost its prominence and advantage n the trade market, Tyre rejoiced and seized the opportunity. T this, many will say, “business is business.” But from God’s perspective, lack of compassion for those who fall will always awaken an opportunistic attitude that eventually will prepare the stage for pride to settle in.

Application:
Opportunism is one of those attitudes that may seem to bring a lot of effectiveness and success. But underneath the possibility of getting ahead, there is a compromise of godly character. There’s nothing wrong in filling a void left by someone’s failure. What is wrong is to rejoice at their fate and then build upon someone else’s brokenness. We can see our hearts craving for opportunities for us to be more prosperous and to get ahead. It’s in our nature to grow and to get better. However, the end doesn’t justify the means. Jesus Himself went ahead everyone else in creation with His humility, compassion, and submissive heart. We need to learn from Him and imitate His attitude.

Even in an endeavor as noble as ministry, Christian leaders can compromise a lot through opportunism. When another ministry in the community suffers, what do we do? Do we rejoice thinking that our constituency will grow because of their misfortune, or do we come with a helping hand to aid our brother or sister in need? As a shepherd and a leader I need to be aware of opportunities and seize them, but without an opportunistic spirit.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for any trace of opportunism in my heart. I want to be diligent in making decisions and in seizing the opportunities you provide. However, I want to be humble in the process. I don’t want to take advantage of other’s suffering or misfortune. Let me grow in integrity in this area of my heart. Let me put others first as your Son Jesus always does. Amen!