Make the most of every opportunity - 14 September 2025

In the film Dead Poets Society, the teacher John Keating famously says: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” Today we might say “YOLO” or “live every day like it’s your last.” The phrase goes back to the Roman poet Horace: “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow.”Some people live by this, but I prefer Jesus’ promise: “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” Carpe diem can drift toward recklessness, while abundant life is generous, full, and eternal.Paul picks up this theme: “Make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5), especially in conversations about the gospel. In Acts 26, after two years in prison at Caesarea, Paul finally speaks in his defence. He doesn’t complain or condemn. Instead, he shares his testimony and urges people to repent, believe, and turn to God. He makes the most of the moment—not for himself, but for Christ.How well do we do the same?This Sunday we’ll hear from Lauren about sharing the joy of Jesus with university students, and about the work of Operation Christmas Child. I look forward to seeing you then.Your brother in Christ,Benji