Wasted Opportunities by W. N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 2, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 37.

Wasted Opportunities.

By W. N. Glenn

THIS is a world of opportunities. Great attainments were placed within the reach of the first man whom God created, both before and after his fall. Though "sin entered into the world and death by sin," yet man was not peremptorily cut off from the possibilities which his Creator designed for him. There was, and is still, held out to him the opportunity of doing good in this world, and of receiving the reward of a crown of life in the world to come. This grace was extended to the whole human race (see John 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9), purely as an act of mercy, and constitutes the one grand opportunity of a race of criminals doomed to death. How strange that so large a majority, or that even one, should scorn to accept the priceless gift!

But aside from the general offer of salvation, which the unconverted world is constantly ignoring or neglecting, attention is called to the low estimate often placed by God's professed followers upon the honors in store for them. All along the shores of the stream of time are strewn the wrecks of golden opportunities which have been slighted, or despised, or wasted by those who have essayed to serve God, and whom he would have delighted to honor had they been faithful. Conspicuous in the picture is the ignominious fall of the Israelites whom the Lord so wonderfully delivered from Egypt, and would have personally led into the promised land but for their lack of faith in his word. Had they appreciated their opportunity, and the great honor of God's immediate presence and wonderful providence, not one would have fallen in the wilderness; all would have enjoyed the full blessing of the land of promise.

By way of individual illustration, there is no case more conspicuous than that of Saul, the first king of Israel. The Lord had chosen him, and promoted him from a humble peasant to be ruler over all his people. So far as earthly honor was concerned, there was no higher place. In addition to his kingship, the Lord bestowed upon him the Spirit of prophecy. Was ever a man better prepared for doing good, or had one ever a more important field in which to exercise his powers? But he failed to rightly esteem his opportunities, or to realize his responsibility to the One who had so highly favored him. Consequently, the Lord forsook him, his life proved a failure, and he came to an inglorious end.

And what shall we say of Solomon, to whom was given wisdom and riches and honor, above all of his predecessors or successors? With all these qualifications, and the privilege of building the magnificent house of the Lord, he finally turned away after false gods. The Lord had warned Israel not to intermarry with other nations, "for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." Yet Solomon did not heed the warning, and, just as the Lord had said, when he was old "his wives turned away his heart after other gods." Had he rightly valued his opportunities in earlier years, and used his wealth and position only in honor of Him who had bestowed them, he would not have been led astray in his old age. Speaking of this noted failure amid such favorable surroundings, Dr. Adam Clarke remarks: "How few proofs does his life give that the gracious purpose of God was fulfilled in him. He received much, but he would have received much more had he been faithful to the grace given. No character in the Sacred Writings disappoints us more than the character of Solomon."

Another instance of wasted privileges comes prominently to view in the case of Judas Iscariot. Called by the Messiah to be one of his personal companions during his public ministry, the full measure of this precious opportunity cannot be computed. With the example and teachings of the Saviour constantly before him, and the many assurances of the great reward of faithfulness in his all-important mission, his apostasy must always be an astonishment. No one, even the bitterest enemy of Christ and the Christian name, ever has a sympathetic word for the traitor. Even his confession and remorse availed him naught. With the honor and reward of an apostle of Christ within his grasp, he ended his career in the direst shame.

But how many thousands who will readily acknowledge the folly of Saul, and of Solomon, and of Judas, and many others who might be named, will fail to see wherein they may be doing the same things themselves. Thousands who profess the Christian name to-day are being blindly led by the blind, when they might as well enjoy the leadings of the Holy Spirit in the way of light and truth. No generation upon the earth was so profusely surrounded with opportunities of learning truth and doing good as the present. Is it possible, with all the examples of the past in view, that they will, like ancient Jerusalem, fail to recognize the things that belong to their peace? These things, says the apostle, "were written for our admonition."

But some claim to be expecting that soon the Lord will come to redeem his people and take "vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." If this be true (and there is no doubt that it is), here is opportunity for all. Suppose it is the eleventh hour; "Go work in my vineyard," saith the Lord, "and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." Do any feel that the illustrations of this article do not apply to them, because they have not been called to govern a kingdom, or personally to take part with the Lord in his earthly ministry? Let them not despise "the day of small things." The opportunity to sit with Christ in his throne, and to walk with him throughout eternity is before every overcomer. The prize may be lost by the neglect of apparently small duties as well as by failing to rule a kingdom acceptably. It may be won by the humblest servant, as well as by the most honored leader. "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." Many a humble disciple will gain eternal life through ministering to the needy in the name of his Master, who would utterly fail if intrusted with the management of a kingdom, or even with the charge of a church. "He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that ruleth a city." Then "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," for failure in the end will be simply the result of wasted opportunities.

W. N. GLENN.