Live Wisely

‘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

For years I was the overseer of a ministry to families in need. We offered practical help with food and other types of help. Once a week we we held a service where families could come and enjoy some good food and fellowship in a comfortable and casual environment. We became like one big family. Something I discovered during that time was that many people felt that they had been hurt in one way or another by a local church. This crushed my heart.

The reason, it seems, that a lot of people don’t go to church is because they have been to church. This a very sad testimony. Perhaps some of us have gotten away from the truths found in this verse in Colossians 4. It instructs to live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. We should look for opportunities to share the genuine love of Christ that is in us without judgment or condemnation. Jesus was criticized by the religious people because he ate with tax collectors and sinners. He accepted people where they were so he could pour the love of God into their lives. He often left the ninety-nine to go after the one. 

The religious leaders were always looking for a way to trap Jesus with his words, but His conversation was always gracious and attractive. He always had the right response for everyone. Our conversations should be no different. We should live our lives in such a way that makes the gospel of Jesus Christ attractive to those who are outside the faith. We should live wisely. John Wesley once said, “Light yourself on fire with passion, and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”