Read Colossians 4:5-6
Outsiders In
5 Be wise in the way
you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your
conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know
how to answer everyone.
LET’S stop and think about Paul’s instructions to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders”.
Of course it is godly advice, isn’t it? God is in the business of seeking
outsiders—people who do not believe in him. Adam made us all outsiders as we are
born into his sin nature. Paul remembers how he was once an outsider. He knows
of Jesus’ eternal kindness to welcome him into the Kingdom. He remembers the
actions of Barnabas and others (Acts 9) who were kind to him even when they
thought he was still an outsider.
Most churches have
a vision, mission or slogan to be kind to outsiders. Certainly Paul’s advice is
biblical truth we want to follow.
But let’s keep this
in mind: “outsiders” means that there is a difference between those who call
Christ “Lord” and those who do not. People on the outside of Jesus’ fellowship
are outside of the Kingdom of God. They are in jeopardy of being outside of
heaven, condemned to eternal Hell forever.
That’s why Paul’s
words are more than nice, good advice. These words are an imperative—a must—on how
we are to act toward unsaved people. What you do and say in the presence of “outsiders”
can drive them from Jesus or welcome them into his presence.
The next time you
might be inclined to use harsh or impatient words with someone, pause and
consider what Jesus wants you to say. Stop and think that Jesus spoke words of
grace to bring you inside.
A Moment’s Thought: Grace is the language of Christ.
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