The world is your oyster

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

Colossians 4:5

The world is your oyster is especially said to young people embarking into adult life. This is a metaphoric saying relating life to an oyster reminding them of the opportunities awaiting to be opened ahead and perhaps finding a pearl in the process. This is another idiom coined from Shakespeare.

The pearl begins as an irritant slipping into the shell of an oyster, which causes them to protect themselves against the invader. The oysters defense mechanism produces nacre to cover the irritation and over time a pearl is formed. Only God can take something annoying and turn it into something beautiful.

This reminds me of the story behind the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Sam Jones was an evangelical preacher who had tent revivals downtown which dampened the profit margins of a wealthy riverboat captain by the name of Thomas Ryman. On Ryman’s quest to shut down the sermons, he had a come to Jesus moment and turned his life over to God. Ryman’s new mission was now to construct a large building in the city for Sam Jones and others to preach. Seven years later, the Union Gospel Tabernacle opened, which was later renamed Ryman. The arena is said to have perfect acoustics where concerts are still held today.

In both of these instances, we see how God is capable of transforming something intended to destroy into something glorious. This is a beautiful reminder to the irritants in our lives; God can turn them into a jewel. Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” I believe the Lord gives us opportunities to bring Him glory in all things because The world is our oyster. We just have to remember to reflect the goodness of God because we’re His pearl.