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. - Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
These are Paul’s last instructions to the Colossians before he concludes this letter.
What does it look like to live wisely among unbelievers? It’s living in obedience to God’s word, putting Him and others first. It’s being a good representative for Jesus, being humble and honorable and speaking the truth in love.
If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13 NLT
It’s not easy, but it’s important to our mission, the great commission that Jesus gave to His followers: “go and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) I need to live a life that allows people to see that following Jesus makes a difference in me. How example, they might ask why I’m not anxious about the economy or worried about having a chronic debilitating condition. Then they might ask me why I’m different and I have an opportunity to share that my peace comes from Jesus. I know that nothing in this world can truly harm me because He’s always with me. This can lead to sharing the gospel and, perhaps, someone making the decision to follow Jesus herself.
But this won’t happen if my life doesn’t attract people to Jesus. When I think about this, I realize that these last instructions really sum up what Paul has been trying to teach us throughout this letter to the Colossians. I need to remember that I am new and complete in Christ, to grow in knowledge and understanding of who He is and who I am in Him, and to live in a way that honors Him. I don’t have to worry about making opportunities or about what I will say when an opportunity comes. My part is to trust and obey. Let God’s Spirit in me take care of the rest.
Think About: Are you living wisely among unbelievers?
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