Good morning,
When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.
Paul encourages the Colossians’ to follow Christ. Paul tells them to allow the word of God to dwell in them, whatever they do, do it heartily to the Lord, pray, and allow their speech be seasoned with salt.
We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions.
Speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
In Paul’s time, salt served primarily as a preservative, keeping meat from spoiling. It was valuable enough to be used as a form of currency. And, of course, it changes the flavor of whatever it is added to. In that regard, Paul’s use of this metaphor has more than one meaning. The believer’s words are to preserve the message of Christ, helping it effectively reach as many people as possible. What a Christian says ought to add value to the conversation; our words should be uplifting or helpful. Finally, the truth of our renewed Christian lives ought to be clear in the different “flavor” of how we speak and act.
Another aspect of gracious speech is the ability to answer the questions of unbelievers. Peter also noted the importance of this area of ministry, saying, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Communicating Christ includes both a positive presentation of the gospel and the ability to defend it (Titus 1:9). Mere knowledge is not all that is required. In order to give an answer in a truly “Christian” way, a person must present truth using proper words and a proper attitude.
When we present the gospel message is it “…seasoned with salt…”?
When we are finished, have we left the door open for another opportunity to share Christ? Do we come across as a Know it all or I am better than you attitude?
Our presentation should be out of love. We should be concerned for this soul who Christ died. Remembering that we do not win souls. The Holy Spirit convicts men and women of their sin. We just present the message.
Will we go with a message “…seasoned with salt…”?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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