Verse of the Day 6/15

Verse of the Day 6/15

Colossians 4:5-6  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.    English Standard Version (ESV)

As I read these verses and the short passage yesterday I couldn't help but think of how sound this advice is for us as Christians in the current environment.  It starts with "walking in wisdom", walking, not running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.  Walking is done at a pace and with wisdom it means being in control of your actions and words and following what we discussed yesterday WDJD; what did Jesus do.  That is truly how to make the best use of our time.

Now, for the tougher part, letting our speech be gracious; seasoned with salt.  Being gracious is being forgiving, it is pardon with power, power to change and power to overcome.  It is brought about with this seasoning.  Salt, when used properly, brings out the flavor in food, it enhances it brings out the best.  So it should be with our speech.  Too much salt and you want to spit it out.  Once too much has been poured on, the food cannot be taken back to it's original form.  Salt when put on an open wound will sting and hurt.

When you look at the world around us today; from politicians of opposing parties; to different sides on just about any issue; the way to bring about needed changed isn't by throwing barbs - words or worse; it is by using "gracious speech".

As we go about our day, our business this week, as we have social interaction, may we have these verses in mind and apply them in our lives.  Let's start first by praying before we head out.  Read the short passage below from the Contemporary English Version or from your favorite translation.  Let it speak to you with grace, seasoned by salt.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Colossians 4:2-6 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

² Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. ³ Be sure to pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain the mystery about Christ, even though I am in jail for doing this. ⁴ Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible.

⁵ When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. ⁶ Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.