As I conclude my reading of the Book of Colossians, I reflect on chapter 4, verses 5 & 6:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This instruction is echoed in the following scriptures:
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season….” 2 Timothy 4:2
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” 1 Peter 3:15
We never know what a day will bring or who we will cross paths with or what opportunities the Lord may give us to bear witness to His saving grace. Even though we may not know what lies ahead, we should always be ready to share the Gospel...to impart the love of God and good news of Jesus to others.
Timothy tells us to be prepared both in season and out of season, that is, at all times and regardless of our feelings, convenience, or circumstances. Sometimes the chance to communicate our hope in Christ is apparent. It is right in front of our faces or falls easily into our laps. At other times, it is more subtle and requires us to be more astute.
When we do have the opportunity to share our faith with others, we should be wise in our approach and with our behavior and words. As one blogger has stated, “…we must be gracious and respectful in how we speak. I would say particularly more so to those who subscribe to worldly philosophies or have opposing points of view. We will not win any battles in a secular world if we speak disrespectfully. Paul further says that the words we speak should also be seasoned with salt. Salt can be seen as providing flavor and/or as a preservative. Jesus saw our purpose in the world as such when He said, ‘you are the salt of the earth,’ meaning we should make a difference in the flavor of the world [in which] we live and use our speech to preserve what is godly in society.”
“Father, thank You for salvation and for the hope of Christ within me. Help me to have a burden for those who are lost and to be vigilant about the opportunities You give to share my testimony. Help me to recognize the divine appointments with others that You have orchestrated. Lord, help me not to be timid or afraid of how others may respond. Help me to realize that I don’t have to be a great theologian or Bible scholar or have all the answers in order to tell others my story and the impact You have had on my life. Help me not to inordinately worry about what to say. Just as You did for Your servants in the Bible who You called to speak on Your behalf, you will teach me what to say and will provide the necessary words when the time comes. Help me to rely on Your Holy Spirit for wisdom as I relate to people from other walks of life or who have differing philosophies on faith. Help me to speak truth both gently and reverently. Help me to make a difference in the lives of others, to point them to You, and to promote Your kingdom both on earth and in heaven. Amen.”