Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Oct 2, 2024 - Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsWalk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders
Reading: Colossians 4:2-9
As Paul winds down the letter, he encourages the Colossians to keep praying. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”(Col 4:2). His words imply a habit of prayer that needs to continue even though the circumstances of life vary widely. “Being watchful in it” takes prayer a step farther, suggesting that we are in regular conversation with God about future changes we anticipate, threats we foresee, and temptations we expect. Just as Jesus has told his disciples to “watch and pray”(Matt 26:41), so Paul reinforces. This leads him to a personal prayer request: “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak”(Col 4:3-4). Paul asks for prayers for new opportunities to preach and for his own clarity of speaking. This last request reminds us that Paul is also human and (especially in times of persecution) is tempted to soften the truth.
Open doors and gospel preaching seems to lead Paul to think about the Colossians and their relationships. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person”(Col 4:5-6). “Outsiders” are watching us, looking for clues about what it means to follow Jesus. We must live wisely in front of them. This includes “making the best use of the time,” seizing the unique opportunities that we encounter. It also includes speaking in gracious ways, particularly when we are answering their questions and curiosities. Hostile, hotheaded responses ruin good opportunities. Coarse, profane talk gives Jesus a bad name.
Others are watching us; this should affect the way that we act. Am I sensitive to unbelievers in my entertainment choices, in my behavior at work, in my Bible classes (when visitors attend), in my hobbies and friendships? Is my talk “gracious, seasoned with salt”? Am I walking in wisdom toward outsiders?
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One Thing to Think About: How do others think about Jesus when they hear me talk?
One Thing to Pray For: Wisdom and opportunities to influence unbelievers
