Live Wisely.

So, I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time focusing. I can never sit and read 1 book of the Bible before I move on to another book. Today I finished Colossians.  This stood out to me:

“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.” Col. 4:5-6 NLT

Y’all, Paul was telling us to watch how we act because we are setting an example for non-believers.  He says, “every opportunity”, not just the ones that are easy.  We can say thank you, please, and help someone in need. He doesn’t say the opportunities that require no effort.  Paul then tells us that when we talk with others it should be attractive, in this sense it means beneficial, and gracious. I don’t mean to keep harping on the divide in our country, however I felt this verse was perfect for this “season”.  I have seen video clips of people claiming to be Christians, yet they are far from being gracious, and NOT making the most out of their opportunity. If anything, sometimes I feel like it is pushing people away from Christ rather than drawing them near.

All of this also makes me think what comes from your mouth reflects what is in your heart. I’ve been there before, where I’ve been so emotional and enraged over a conversation. Admittedly, said things I shouldn’t have, and thankful I realized in recent years that I was not showing Jesus. If I were having a conversation and our Lord and Savior were next to me, is that how I would still talk? It convicts me, I hope it convicts you too. Full disclosure-I am not saying I am perfect at this, I stink at it. But I am trying and getting better as I grow in my faith. All of us will be continuing to grow until the day we die.

Let’s pray to draw nearer to God, read His Word more often so we can have “the right response for everyone.” I pray that hearts will be healed, God led change will happen in this country, not something political but of the Holy Spirit. Will you pray that with me too?