Colossian 4:2-6 - A Witness to Those "Outside"

Today, Monday June 21 A Witness to Those “Outside” Colossians 4:2-6 “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.” The Apostle Paul is giving us some instructions on how to be an effective witness for the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are “outside”the fold. This, of course, refers to the lost who do not belong to the Christian family. Those who have never experience a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. What a sad thing to be on the outsideor “without”. To be without Christ, without hope, without peace, without forgiveness! In Ephesians 2:12-17, Paul uses these terms to describe this condition. “Separated from Christ…”; “alienated from…”; “having no hope…”; “far off…”. It is important that we, as believers and followers of Jesus, live wisely when we are among the lost, because they are looking at our lives to see if we are genuine and real. To “walk in wisdom” means that we are not careless with our testimony. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 to “walk honestly toward them that are without.” What a terrible testimony it is for a Christian to be dishonest with anyone and especially with an unbeliever. When we don’t pay our bills or keep our promises, we also bring reproach on the name of Christ. The salt of holiness must always flavor our speech. Old Testament Jews used salt in their sacrifices, symbolizing purity and the preservation of that which is good. The Greeks called salt “charitas”, which means grace, because it gives flavor to things. Ephesians 4:29 tells us that our speech must not be corrupt; salt (God’s grace) holds back corruption. A thoughtless word of criticism, a questionable remark, an angry word, any of these could tear down in a minute whatever Christian testimony others have tried to build up. “Making the best use of the time” means that we are ready and alert to seize every opportunity to share our witness for Christ with others! It is my prayer today that the Lord will help us to effectively witness to those “outside”. Today, we might be their only hope of ever knowing how much God loves them by giving His Son Jesus Christ to die for them! God bless!