Colossians: Week 5: Day 3

Colossians 4: 5 - 6

Writing to believers in Colosse, and to us, Paul makes three quick statements about our behaviors. They are so quick to read! They are so profound in their implications and scope.

First, we need to be wise in the way we interact and behave toward non-believers. It is always disturbing to read the reports that give insight into the ways non-believers view Christians. More often than not, the views are far from favorable! In fact, those views can be the catalyst that drives people away from Christ and His church. We MUST NOT carry an air of superiority. We MUST NOT communicate a "better than" attitude. We MUST NOT reflect any attitude other than mirroring our Lord. Read again Philippians 2: 5 - 11. In Barclay's words: "Few people have been argued into Christianity ... On the Christian there is laid the great responsibility, not of talking about Christ, but of showing men Christ, not in words, but in life." How do you reflect Jesus to outsiders? If an outsider were to read any of the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus for the first time, would they recognize Him because they already know you?

Secondly, Paul reminds us to be sure to make the most of every opportunity. That means we are on the lookout for opportunities to work for Christ, to share the good news of Christ, to let not one opportunity slip past us unaccounted for. Have you ever found yourself avoiding such things? Calls for service opportunities are made through your church ... and you walk away? Teachers are needed ... you are gifted and able ... just not willing? A needy soul shows up in your life ... and you ignore that needy one? Takes wisdom ... takes balance ... but the cry for balance in life does not negate Paul's admonition to be ready for any opportunity that God lays down before you.

And last, our talk - our conversations - our tongues. Let ALL of our conversations be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Isn't that a lovely image?! Grace is one of my all time favorite words. Philip Yancey calls it "the last unspoiled word". Oh - that our conversations (with family members, with friends, with acqaintances are work, with those with whom we passionately disagree,) - may our words be gracious. Why is a lovely hostess called 'gracious'? Isn't it because she makes sure that all of her guests feel welcome? They all enjoy the event - food, environment, etc. She is never cold or condescending. She welcomes, she shares. Our conversations are to be filled with grace. Need practice? Practice on your teen children - or perhaps your spouse! Also, our conversations are to be seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor. Salt preserves. You must make your own applications here. Examine your speech - your converstaions of the past couple of days - have they been gracious? Have they served to preserve and protect? We have much to work on in this arena! I will close our reading today with 2 quotes. You may need your dictionary - I did!

C. F. D. Moule: Paul's instructions here "constitute a warning not to confuse loyal godliness with graceless insipidity."

William Barclay: "The Christian must commend his message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus Himself. There is too much of Christianity today which stodgily depresses a man, and too little of Christianity today which scintillates with life and charm." (written in 1957)