Written ~ 09-20-2023
Colossians 4:5-6
“Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Do you act differently when you’re with other believers? Maybe a little bit more confident, your conversations are easier, your joy explodes because of the commonality of Salvation through Jesus? Shouldn’t that be the same way you respond with a non-believer? Shouldn’t your confidence be just as great, and your conversations easily touch on how Jesus has changed your heart? Shouldn’t your joy be just as exuberant?
When our verses for today start out with, “…live wisely among those who are not believers…” “Live wisely,” what does that make you think of? I can think of two examples that don’t show wisdom. What if, when hanging out with non-believing family members or friends, you decided to brag about how many days a week you go to Church, the tone in your voice becomes “holier than thou” maybe a little preachy and you carry the largest Bible you can find and wear a gigantic gold cross around your neck. Would your family or friends take you seriously? Come on. Or, what if your non-believing family members or friends wanted you to get into some trouble with them, or maybe go out drinking and partying? What if you go along with it, just so you don’t offend them by sharing your love for Jesus. Neither of those scenarios express “living wisely among those who are not believers.”
Why not just be truthful? What about showing your true self as a new creation through the Salvation you found in Jesus Christ, your life is changed, and you are living for Him. Why not show your vulnerabilities, show your mistakes? Show them by how you live now, that you are conquering your “demons” because Jesus lives within you. Your heart, mind and soul have been renewed.
As believers, we need to meet others where they’re at, help them see through their circumstances that there is a different way to go through life. Sure, some of their circumstances may never change, but the way they deal with them and how they respond to those situations will change.
Non-believers may have questions you don’t know how to answer, they may have ideas you don’t agree with. It’s important we hear them out, address their concerns but not become defensive. Search for answers in the Word of God. In verse 4:6b it says,
“…you will have the right response for everyone…”
If we are confronted with difficult questions, don’t try to reason with half hearted answers. Be truthful, if you don’t know how to respond, let them know. But always speak from the truth Jesus has placed in your heart. Use examples from your own life, be real. Being perfect, having answers to every single question just isn’t realistic. First off, none of us are perfect, far from it, and it’s better to let your friend or family member know that you need to take some time to think about the questions they have asked, and you’ll need to get back to them.
Using wisdom in your conversations, being gracious, being real, will hopefully help the non-believing family member or friend realize you aren’t judging them, you aren’t trying to make them feel stupid or inadequate. No, by our love, our actions and the words coming from a grateful heart will hopefully convey the love of the LORD. Verse 4:5b says,
“…make the most of every opportunity…”
Consider the attention span of the person you are speaking with, don’t go off on a lengthy, doctrine loaded speech that loses their attention! No, come to them right where they are, humble your heart, be bold, but use gentle firmness when speaking about the things of Christ. Let them know you are serious, that loving the Lord and living your life by following the Word of God is all worth it! But don’t overwhelm a questioning, searching soul.
My prayer is that I would be reminded of these verses. I want my life to always shine the light of Jesus, no matter who I am hanging out with. I live for Christ! My actions, my words should always communicate His Love. Thank You Father for giving me a grateful heart. Thank You for being right there beside me when confronted with difficult questions. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit so I can tap into the knowledge of Heaven. Give me wisdom, give me understanding, have my witness shine for You.
~AMEN~