What Message Does Your Life Communicate?

“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)

I recently read the story of a new pastor in a large city. When he became the pastor, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow the pastor and report on his conduct. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that the pastor’s life matched his preaching. As a result, that man became a Christian. That’s a living illustration of what Paul says in Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT), “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.” This is a tough challenge to follow in our world, isn’t it? The truth is it’s impossible apart from Christ in us! Everyday our lives communicate a message to those around us. What message does your life communicate? Is it what you want it to say? Paul gives us two practical ways in this passage that will make our faith attractive and contagious.

1.     Our walk:

• “Live wisely….” To live wisely I need to walk intentionally. The New Testament word for live in this passage comes from two Greek words: “peri” meaning “around” and “pateo” meaning “to walk.” When you put them together it means to walk around with wisdom wherever we are, whether with other Christ followers or those who are unbelievers. Walking in wisdom means doing our work, paying our bills, and keeping our promises. 

• “… and make the most of every opportunity.” comes from a Greek word that means to redeem or to buy up every opportunity. It’s a commercial term that pictures a merchant seizing a bargain when he finds one. So a Christ follower should make the most of every opportunity to share the good news.

2.     Our talk:

• “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive….” It’s not enough to simply walk wisely and carefully among unbelievers. Sooner or later, we must also talk with them about the gospel. The literal translation of this passage says that our conversation should be “seasoned with salt.” Just as salt adds flavor, our conversation should be seasoned with grace so that it points to Christ. In Luke 4:22 (NLT), we are told, “Everyone spoke well of (Jesus) and was amazed by the gracious words that came from His lips.” Before we can have grace on our lips we must have grace in our hearts. In a related passage, Peter puts it like this, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

Our lives as Christ followers will be contagious when our walk and our talk are consistent. How may Jesus want to apply this passage in your life? Pray that your life will attract others to Christ. 

---

To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. This season, we’re celebrating how God is moving in the next generation by placing a Bible in the hands of every student connected to Kerry Shook Ministries. To join us in this mission, click here: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.