READ: Matt. 5:13–16
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. – Col. 4:5,6
After speaking about the content of prayer, Paul urges his readers also to conform their conduct, their walk of life, to God’s Word, so that others outside the church fellowship may notice it. It must be visible and noticeable that you belong to Christ. Non-Christians must see you as a light shining in the darkness, as salt that truly preserves in the world. This is what Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount.
It is a life calling with a special purpose: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The aim is to win people for Christ. Conduct is therefore an important part of spreading the gospel, at least as important as speaking.
The wisdom Paul speaks of is practical wisdom: living by faith according to the rule of God’s Word. The book of Proverbs gives many examples of this. The modern person prefers to live for himself without boundaries of norms and values. But we have come to know Christ, the wisdom of God (cf. 1 Cor. 1:24).
Paul also says: “redeeming the time.” We must pray for suitable opportunities to speak with unbelievers about the gospel, for ourselves and for one another. Paul already indicated this in verses 3 and 4. In addition, we must notice and use such opportunities—“redeem” them—for that purpose. This requires discernment and much dedication (Phil. 1:9–11).
Finally, Paul calls attention to the content and manner of our speech with outsiders or in their presence. What we say must always be “gracious.” This does not mean flattering people or merely telling them what they wish to hear. But it does mean that we must not repel them through insults or through double-minded, harsh, or hateful remarks. We must seek them in love.
Do you ever speak about faith with an unbeliever?
Singing: Ps. 112:3