Tag: seasoned with salt
Prayer and gracious speech!
Scripture reading for September 11: Colossians 4
“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 they 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 4:2-6
The life of a follower of Jesus is tied to steadfast prayer and thanksgiving. Paul’s final words to these believers concerned prayer and witness to others. Both these topics were inter-related. Prayer was a lifeline where we communicate with our Savior the things we are observing and going through for direction and counsel. We listen for what to do next and how to give answers to those outside the faith.
Paul asked the church to pray for him as well. He was in prison at the writing of this letter, but he did not ask them to pray for his release. Instead, he asked for a door of witness to be opened that he might preach the Word of God, the Gospel to those outside the faith. He asked for a clear declaration of the Gospel to flow through his lips and that he would have wisdom towards outsiders. He encouraged the church to also walk in wisdom towards outsiders and to make the best use of their time. Through prayer, they would be directed when and to whom to share the Gospel. Only God knows each heart and His timing. He also encouraged them to be gracious, offering words that brought out the flavor of Christ Jesus like salt does to food. When speaking graciously, the goodness of God draws people to repentance and answers their deepest questions and needs.
Does prayer have a regular place in your life and daily routine? Do you pray regularly for your pastor, missionaries on the field, or those in need? Have you experienced the flavoring or salting of your speech as you have sought the Lord for how to reach those outside the faith?
Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the privilege of prayer any time of the day, but especially to start my day. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom today that I might know how to reach those outside the faith. Open a door of witness and give me boldness to share the Gospel of grace, with salted speech. Amen.
Gracious speech
Scripture reading for March 10th: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4
Colossians 4:2-6 “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.”
Our world is filled with all kinds of speech. Much of it is derogatory and complaining and seeks to tear down those we disagree with. Paul taught the believers in Colossae that gracious speech should be a distinction among Christ’s followers. Their speech should bless, commend, and encourage those around them. Their speech should be guided by Christ’s wisdom and the Word of God. It should be seasoned like a tasty meal, with salt flavor, and appropriate for each situation. As examples, Paul commends Tychicus and Onesimus to the believers as faithful ministers whose speech was gracious and seasoned with salt. We win others respect with gracious speech and kindness, backed by faithful prayer that God open doors of hearts to receive truth.
Colossians 4:7-9 “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.”
Prayer: Father God, even Moses failed to graciously speak to the people of Israel and to the Rock. His unbelief had a cost. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and grant me gracious speech and attitudes towards those rebelling against you. May my speech be seasoned with the salt of grace and reflect the kindness and mercy of our Lord. Forgive me for reacting in anger and with a bad attitude.
Numbers 20:11-13 “And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in Me to uphold Me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”