Thursday, November 18, 2021
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. Colossians 4:2-5
In the passage above, Paul was talking to the Christians in Colosse who were experiencing some difficulties. Whatever problems they were facing, Paul knew the answer was a better understanding of Jesus, and the book of Colossians are words of wisdom he shared with them.
Continue Steadfastly in Prayer…
Paul regularly prayed for the Colossian church that their ministry would continue to do well. Prayer is a big part of how well they would continue to do – and that meant prayer on the part of the church as well. He tells them to continue steadfastly in prayer. He was encouraging them to endure, stay devoted and watchful, stand firm, be courageously persistent, to persevere. He was instructing them and encouraging them.
Paul told the Colossians to be careful about the the intention of their hearts and focus on God's purposes, not their desires. Devotion in prayer to Christ alone is all about Christ, not self.
being watchful in it with thanksgiving…
Paul was reminding them to be vigilant in their prayer, but always with thanksgiving, remembering all the great things God has done.
Paul highlighted thanksgiving as an important part of prayer and he encouraged them to always give thanks for everything. Thankfulness is God's will in all circumstances. Pray also for us… Paul was not asking for prayer for himself, but that God would open the door for the opportunity of the Gospel.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
As Christians, we don’t just live in secluded communities. We are in the world, and how we act and treat others is a large part of our testimony. It is very important that we conduct ourselves graciously. Paul says Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. When we have Jesus in our hearts – when we have been changed by Him - our actions, reactions, and responses should be different. We should speak with kindness and be gracious. We should answer with the truth of God’s word that we stand on and we should work on how to communicate these truths to others who are not familiar with these truths.
All these things that were good words of wisdom for the Colossians are certainly applicable to our lives today. We should be convicted and compelled by Paul’s words as well. Are we making the most of every opportunity? Are we looking for opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers outside of Christian circles we are already in?
It can be easy to stay where we feel safe and comfortable - to go to church and Bible study, and then home to familiar faces. But God has commanded us to go. He wants us to daily reach out to anyone and everyone with His message of hope and salvation.
