Before we can prepare ourselves for change, we must first possess the necessary character and foresight to see it coming. Therefore, we will begin this article talking about that very thing...the exercise of an individual’s mind and work ethic. Opportunity comes to those who are already in a moving motion…not an idle one!
Proverbs 10:4
“Idle hands make one poor…but diligence bring riches.”
This contrast is made… not as it deals with money…but with work ethic. There are many things that can bring poverty, but none quite as swift as one’s inability to become active in the various labors of life. He is like the man who because of fear hid his talent in the earth; and there are numerous fears that attack the mind of a slothful and lazy person. It’s too cold, or it’s too hot. What if people don’t accept me? What if my work is not good enough? The bottom line is that fear is an enemy of faith. Fear does not see what it can become, but rather, what is in the eyes of its present circumstances. It does not believe that circumstances, people, and opportunities can change, therefore it remains idle.
On the contrary, “the diligent” does not consider what obstacles it might face. It concentrates more on the daily work that is at hand, knowing that over time opportunities will arise, and they will therefore be able to take advantage of them…but only if they are properly prepared to face them. The cynics say that society is cruel and unfair. This is true. But I believe that society is created in such a way that it cannot help but notice and reward those who best serve it…despite its sometimes cruel and unfair ways. The diligent of society always find their way to the top…no matter how far down the ladder they might start. It’s like my grandmother used to say. “The cream will always rise to the top, no matter how big the jar might be!”
Proverbs 10:5
“He that gathers in summer is a wise son:”
“But he that sleeps during the harvest time is a son that brings shame ….”
Summer is the time for the harvest. The wise son is aware of the season, makes the necessary adjustments, and begins to gather up the profit that can be found in it. However, the foolish is unaware of the time, or simply chooses to ignore it. He is engaged in other activities that occupy his thoughts. Maybe, it is that he feels that he still possesses plenty of what he needs from previous years, and therefore, he sees no need to seek new opportunities. If there is one thing in this present world’s system that is detrimental to a person or company’s well-being, it would be the inability to recognize change, and the lack of fortitude and wisdom to make those changes. What is a safe bet today, is probably a totally loss for tomorrow.
But how can we always know when change is coming? It does not always approach life boldly and openly, but it is many times subtle and hidden. Experts use certain devices of analysis that reveal symptoms of economic, political, and atmospheric change. Just as a compass points north, south, east, or west, these devices of change detection also point their users in a particular direction with the information that they reveal…hence, giving them an advantage against the odds.
Let me put forth some advice. There is one indicator of change, time, and season that every man, woman, and child should possess. This instrument is the very creator of time and season: God himself. If we possess a genuine relationship with Him, and make it our priority to diligently seek after him, life will never catch us unawares. He through his eternal Spirit can discern the very intricate and complexities of one’s life. If we would just open up our heart to Him and let him apply His gauges and instruments of spiritual analysis to our lives, then he could lead us and help us gather the exact information that we need to fully take advantage of all the good things that this life has to give to us!
Let us be wise, and wake up to God, and the path that he has established for us to walk in! There is a harvest that only we can bring in! It is our opportunity and no one else’s. Let us not miss it! But rather, let us get busy pursuing it!