All good points to one's advancement in a Christian's pursuit to develop a closer relationship with God.
Last night at our weekly fellowship meeting we discussed the matter of "opportunity" from the Greek Orthodox point of view, and how those who are Christians dare not leave important matters for another day. It's not hard to see how so many people who profess to be Christians in our modern world are so busy with earthly matters and too often ignore the matters to do with God, which can be referred to as "missed" opportunities. Our resident theologian used various examples and applied various parts of Scripture to give us a better understanding of the context of being a true Christian, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
I'm not here to push an Eastern Orthodox view onto people. I truly respect all mainstream denominations. None are perfect. What I would like followers of Christ to understand is how we in the Orthodoxy are very spiritual in nature and strive to better ourselves in the context of God's glory, not in personal achievements and advancements in this temporary world we have to put up with, or even to strive to be materilally successful which tends to divert our attention away from God. Prosperity denominations and Prosperity Gospel movements, such as Hillsong are examples where they tend to steer people more towards personal success and achievement and less to the glorification of God and how we can receive God's gift of Grace and Mercy. I'm not saying none are saved in such denominations. I'm sure at least some are. But I do find the spiritual environment of the Orthodox church I attend so comforting and pleasing in the midst of so much confusion and evil in this fractured and temporary world.
Rather than me trying to describe what was said and discussed about "opportunity" during the meeting, here is what ChatGPT says. It's amazingly very good and accurate. Needless to say a lot more was discussed but what follows is a good representation of what the meeting was about.
In the Greek Orthodox Christian tradition, the concept of opportunity is not typically discussed using the same terms as in secular or modern contexts, but it can be meaningfully explored through theological and spiritual principles. Here’s a summary of how “opportunity” is understood and lived within the Orthodox worldview:
1. Opportunity as Divine ProvidenceThe Greek Orthodox Church sees all things—including opportunities—as part of God’s providence (πρόνοια Θεού). That is:
• Life events, encounters, and choices are not random.
• God allows or provides certain opportunities as part of His plan for each person’s salvation.
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
2. Opportunity for Spiritual GrowthOpportunities are seen not primarily for personal gain (e.g., wealth, status), but for:
• Repentance (μετάνοια) • Growth in virtue
• Love and service toward others • Union with God (θέωση)
A job promotion, for instance, might be seen as an opportunity to be more generous, responsible, or humble—not simply a success.
3. Discernment and Free Will
While God may allow opportunities, humans must exercise discernment (διάκρισις)—a major virtue in Orthodoxy.
• Just because an opportunity presents itself doesn’t mean it is good or from God.
• Believers are called to pray, consult spiritual fathers, and examine their conscience before acting.
4. Kairos vs. Chronos
Orthodoxy often contrasts two Greek words for time:
• Chronos – sequential, clock time.
• Kairos – the right or appointed time; a God-given moment to act.
Opportunities are seen as kairos moments: not just chance, but sacred times to respond to God's call.
5. Warnings Against Selfish Ambition
Scripture and the Fathers of the Church warn against ambition divorced from humility. Opportunities pursued for:
• Ego
• Power
• Greed
...are often spiritually dangerous. The Orthodox path is to seek God's will, not personal advancement.
6. Saints and Opportunity
Many saints saw trials and hardships—persecution, poverty, illness—not as misfortune, but as opportunities to trust in Christ, to forgive enemies, or to witness the faith.
Summary:In Greek Orthodoxy, opportunity is:
• A moment of spiritual decision, not just a chance for worldly gain.
• Evaluated through prayer, humility, and discernment.
• A potential gift from God to draw closer to Him and to serve others.
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