The Place to Be #77

Colossians 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.

Having given specific instructions for how to behave ourselves in our Church home and our family home, Paul gives two more overriding principles for living before a watching world. First, have a prayerful life.  A church needs to be praying, with thanksgiving, at all times - both for their ministry and members, and for others who are seeking to impact the world for Christ.  Paul made sure they knew (and we know) that he was just as much in the need of prayer as they were (and we are!). Secondly, we need to consider how our lifestyle and speech affects those around us. If they are watching (and they are), our lives can speak volumes about the power of Christ to save and change, and we never know when what we say will have an impact on them, positively or negatively.  We need the Holy Spirit's guidance, which again means prayer.