Colossians 4: 3 – 6 NLT
3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (Greek – seasoned with salt) so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Then Paul tells us to “live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (Greek – seasoned with salt) so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Do non-Christians find us fun to talk with? Do they enjoy being with us? Do they find us to be kind, humble, gentle, patient, understanding and forgiving, loving and peaceful people? (Remember Colossians 3?) How can we share our faith with non-Christians if they see judgmental and isolated neighbours or co-workers? People who are just too religious?
One thing I do love about the Bible – and also dislike – is its honesty and the challenge it brings to my life. I am so thankful when I read about how much God loves me. And I’m so thankful when I read about what God wants from me; at least I have great advice on how to live well. I’m not always thankful when the Holy Spirit takes those words and challenges me ‘to smarten up’. But as I read verses like the ones we read today I am thankful that God does challenge me in his loving way. His Holy Spirit helps me as I struggle to pray and live well.
Sometimes, God also puts a moment in our lives that challenges us to share our faith. A friend and I have a weekly date for breakfast at a local restaurant. One of us usually prays quietly after our meal is put on the table – and then we go on to talk and laugh and enjoy our time together. One day recently, the waitress came to our table as we were eating and said she noticed we prayed. She had some hard times in her life and wanted to know it we’d pray for her. We were stunned, and definitely said we’d pray for her. And she’s been in my prayers ever since. This week, she ran outside after us as we were leaving to tell us that her problems seemed to be easing up, and thanked us for praying for her. I sense God working in her life, and we will continue to pray for her and look for opportunities to share our faith with her. That situation really struck me deeply as I tend to stay quiet about my faith. I don’t want to upset people, or have them think I’m crazy. I’m thankful that God gives us those moments to shake us up a bit, and become willing to share our faith in him.
3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (Greek – seasoned with salt) so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Our song for today is What We’re Here For by The Afters.