I grew up hearing that “opportunity knocks”. Either that was wishful thinking, or opportunity has changed its modus operandi. It seems that these days opportunity must be hunted down and wrestled to the ground.

This has been the case for most successful business people I know. Opportunities are the result of wise preparation and hard work. Opportunities are more like doorways we must strive to enter.

Did you know that our opportunity to enter into the kingdom of God is the same?

And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:22-24

Jesus did said, “Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you.” However, finding the door, and having it opened for you, do not equate to entering through that door (or gate). We must respond to the open door by striving to enter into it. I hope this is as sobering for you as it has been for me.

The Greek word for “strive” is agōnizomai. We get our word agonize from it. It is also means “to fight” and “labor fervently”.

Agōnizomai: To enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games; to contend with adversaries, fight; metaphorically, to contend or struggle with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

Does this describe your pursuit of the kingdom of God? It may sound a bit different than what you have been taught. It may be challenging the way you think. Don’t get discouraged. We all need our minds renewed.

Workplace Ministry Tip: The fervency with which we pursue the opportunities in our life is inevitably proportional to their perceived value. The realization of those opportunities is proportional to the fervency with which we pursue them.

Humbly yours and forever His,