“Opportunity cost . . . the loss of potential gain when an opportunity isn’t seen and seized.”- Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 12 of Chase the Lion by discussing how to avoid living in delayed obedience. Therefore, Mark lists three steps that make up “The Art of the Start.” Give:
- yourself a start date- the author recommends today
- God an hour every day- perhaps that means getting up an hour early or staying up an extra hour
- yourself a deadline- Mark explains that “deadlines are lifelines”
As Pastor Batterson reminds us, “you cannot finish what you do not start.” Therefore, it’s counterproductive to wait for perfect conditions in order to pursue your dream. Only Christ’s second coming creates those conditions. At some point, Mark encourages, caution must be thrown to the wind. However, that only comes after you’ve done your due diligence. But you need to do it.
Andy Stanley, writing in The Next Generation Leader, states that, generally speaking, you’re not likely to be more than 80% certain. Missed opportunities- opportunity cost- occur while waiting for greater certainty.
Hence, Mark cautions, “don’t put off till tomorrow what God has called you to do today.” Delayed obedience = disobedience. Despite the old aphorism, the author asserts, you must knock on opportunity- probably more than once or twice!
In conclusion, Mark explains how to overcome narrow vision:
“Generally speaking, we see only what we’re looking for. If you’re looking for excuses, you’ll always find one. But the same is true for opportunities. If you look for them, you’ll find them around you all the time- even on a snowy day!”
Today’s question: After your vocation loss, how has opportunity cost factored into your journey? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Dream markers = defining decisions”
