Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — a true statement. Likewise, we could say that opportunity is in the perception of the thinker. We could point to various individuals who recognized business opportunities and thereby amassed great wealth — true enough. There is nothing wrong with wealth, depending on how we look at it. However, Christ said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). In other words, we must be looking for opportunities that will open the door to spiritual treasure. It is the same principle but a very different mindset.
If we were looking for a place to pan for gold, we would look for the physical evidence that is typical of such places and then go to work. If we, therefore, desire spiritual treasure, we need to look for the spiritual terrain that represents opportunity and then, likewise, go to work. Such terrain – such opportunity — exists right now! In a recent publication of the American Thinker, there is an article titled, “Ten Steps to Totalitarianism.” Author, JB Shurk, lists the following steps: Destruction of Religion, Gun Confiscation, Control over Energy, Control over Money, Doomsday Fearmongering, School Indoctrination, Elimination of Family, Elimination of Cars, and Digital Identification Tracking. It is plain to see that many of these steps are well underway. Do we see these factors as overwhelmingly unthinkable trials or as opportunities for spiritual wealth?
We have in front of us a priceless opportunity to develop more of the mind and faith of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter spoke of such an opportunity. After reminding believers of the hope we have through the resurrection and the incorruptible inheritance that cannot fade away, he said, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 1:5-7).
Truly, we will be grieved by the trials that we presently see looming and developing in the present spiritual terrain that we traverse. Do we, however, perceive the opportunity? The fire of trials will prove the genuineness of Christ’s very faith in us, which is more valuable than any physical wealth. How valuable is it? “Receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9). Opportunity is in the perception of the believer.
Marshall Stiver
