Talk Together
Family conversations with God’s Word.
Have you ever watched a “how-to” video with a family member? Maybe they were trying to learn a new skill or figure out how to fix something. Maybe you were trying to learn a new hobby or sport. Instructions are important. They help us learn how to do things correctly.
In Colossians, Paul shared some important instructions with the church in Colossae. He wanted to tell them how Christians should behave. In his letter, Paul said Christians should live their lives with wisdom and make the best use of their time. Let’s find out what Paul means, by reading Colossians 4:2-6.
ESV
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 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. 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."
Who does Paul say Christians should walk in wisdom toward? He says to walk in wisdom toward outsiders (or unbelievers)!
Jesus changes people. When we accept His gift of salvation, we’re made new. Our actions should change because we’re no longer living life for ourselves. We’re living life for Jesus. Our actions should show others Jesus.
Paul also writes that a Christian’s speech should be seasoned with salt. Hold on. Does he want us to pour salt on our words?! Before you reach for the salt shaker, let me explain.
Paul doesn’t want Christians to eat a bunch of salt, but he does want them to talk in a way that shows our love for Jesus. When we choose to do things like honor our parents and obey the Bible, we give the world a beautiful “taste” of Jesus. We show others what He is like!
Instructions from God’s Word are life-changing. Paul’s instructions to the Colossian Christians weren’t written for them alone. They are for us too!
Choosing to behave in a way that honors Jesus may seem hard, but He doesn’t ask us to do it alone. If you ask Him, He will give you wisdom and help you make choices that make the best use of your time. His instructions for our life are above all others.