Colossians 3:18-4:18; Ezekiel 31-32; Isaiah 56

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV) 

What’s your purpose in life? Paul urged the Colossians to fulfill their purpose of proclaiming the gospel by walking in wisdom toward those who are outside the household of faith. Paul said that they should speak with grace. The goal of the Christian isn’t to win arguments or be seen as the smartest kids on the block; the goal of Christians is to draw people to Jesus. Because of that, Christians shouldn’t waste their time in foolish arguments or intellectual debates, we should use our time wisely to show others the love and grace of Jesus.

Every so often I need to remind myself about my purpose in dealing with others. My purpose in life isn’t to be seen as super intelligent, as the bravest person, or even the most clever. My purpose in love to communicate the love and grace of Jesus Christ to people who are separated from Him. My secondary purpose is to help people grow in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Thus, I don’t initiate or get involved in a lot of political discussions. Those generate a lot of heat and smoke, but they don’t further the cause of Jesus Christ. When I focus on causes, I emphasize those causes that deal with the preservation of human life and spreading the grace of God. You are, of course, free to pursue the course God has established for you, but I urge you to always seek to redeem the time you have with people and speak with grace. 

Lord, remind me of my purpose every day. Don’t let me get embroiled in foolish arguments, but let me redeem the time I have with others by showing and speaking grace in my dealing with them.