Opportunity Coupons

In 1887 Asa Chandler created the first coupon, which could be redeemed for one free glass of Coca-Cola. Soon Coca-Cola was being served in every U. S. state. The idea of coupons was a huge success! Today, it is estimated that at least 75 percent of Americans use some form of coupons.

Often, in the fine print of a paper coupon, you will read, "Redeemable at . . . ." The manufacturer has issued that coupon in hopes that you will exchange (redeem) it for a discount on a certain product. Many times, there are terms and limitations, such as: a coupon is for a specific size and has an expiration date.

The word "redeem" in the Greek means "to buy out of the marketplace." Merchants would carefully seek to find the best bargains, not missing the smallest opportunity. The window of opportunity might be very short (like a coupon expiration date).

Paul wrote we must be aware that "the days are evil." An evil day is a day that prevents us from buying up opportunities to do what is right and good. Daily, we must remind ourselves to "redeem" opportunities while being alert to anything "evil" (that which could keep us from doing the Lord's business).

Every day we are given "opportunity coupons": a time to read the Bible, a time to pray, a time to send a card or text of encouragement, a hand to lend to someone in need, or a spiritual gift to exercise. With an increased awareness that the "days are evil" (working to steal our time), we can be like the wise merchants, ever looking for opportunities to "redeem the time."

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities
​as you do at conclusions.
–   Benjamin Franklin