Let the Thanks Come Out #24

At the end of Paul's letters, it seemed like he always had more to say. So he would include a short section that Bible printers simply label: "final instructions". Here is what he says to the Colossians in chapter 4:

 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Mix your praying with thanksgiving; don't always make it "give me, give me." And by the way, I would appreciate it if you would pray for us, and what God is trying to do through us: thank you for praying.  And think about your effect on others around you. When they see you living thankful lives, using your mouths for encouragement instead of tearing down, and thanking instead of complaining and arguing, they are going to sit up and take notice. Then they will start to ask you questions, that you need to ask God to help you answer.  If you're always going around complaining, talking negatively and nasty, they will not be asking you; they already know what you think. But if they see and hear your being encouraging and thankful, then they will ask; they will want to know what you have to say. Let's sound thankful today.