Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
[5] “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
“Live wisely!” These two words sum up Paul’s efforts to enlighten the Colossian believers about living the life of God’s children in a godless world. How important to live wisely because every choice and decision has outcomes.
To live wisely means making careful and considered choices instead of plunging willy-nilly into every circumstance and situation without a thought for the consequences. “Situation ethics”, for most people, is the way to go, doing what is “right” in the heat and on the spur of the moment without paying attention to ethics or morals but…situation ethics don’t work.
“Wisdom” is a mostly forgotten or ignored principle in our world today. Worldly wisdom, yes. We see worldly wisdom applied everywhere and we see its results….deeper and deeper into dysfunctional society. Worldly wisdom has what someone once described as “ingrown eyeballs”!
James 3:13-16 NLT
[13] “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. [15] For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. [16] For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
On the contrary, godly wisdom applied in daily life turns outward and benefits others rather than self.
James 3:17-18 NLT
[17]”But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
The early chapters of Proverbs tell us a great deal about wisdom. However, all the details of wise living rest on one foundation.
Proverbs 9:10 NLT
[10]”Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
So, throughout this letter to the Colossians, Paul has laid the foundation of true wisdom, again in the seven words of his theme, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Wisdom is much more than following a set of rules. Wisdom is living out the life of the one who lives in us. As Paul testified…
Galatians 2:20 NLT
[20] “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
The thing about living wisely is that the results are not always immediately obvious. However, living wisely, under the authority of Jesus and in the power of His Spirit, produces fruit. The influence of wise living, i.e., doing what God says because it works, grows slowly, like fruit on a tree.
No matter the response of unbelievers, often antagonistic, the evidence of God’s involvement in His people is undeniable. The history of the early church, it’s rapid spread through the Roman Empire despite opposition and persecution, showed the world that God is real. Even Peter testified to this truth.
1 Peter 2:12 NLT
[12] “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”
Even though the ungodly don’t like it, there is something powerful about the testimony of a godly life. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do testifies to an inner power that overcomes selfishness and wrong. Natural humans are driven by “me first”. Godly humans have changed direction, “Christ in me…you first!”
“Now”, Paul says, “watch your mouth!” What comes from our mouths is the first indication of what’s inside. Our first contact with outsiders is most often in what we say. That casual comment to a stranger, that unexpected word of appreciation or commendation, that simple expression of gratitude, that smile or gesture of friendship, are all opportunities to make the first move.
Paul’s says, look out for ways to connect with outsiders, people not yet in the kingdom, by what you say. It’s amazing how guards come down through gracious and friendly words! We are free to take the first step. Let’s do it!
Paul’s letter to the Colssian church comes to an end. He has given them a summary and resume of the real Christian life in a messed up world. It’s time to say goodbye.
True to form, Paul closes his letter by words of commendation and gratitude to those he knew or were associated with the Colossian church, who have partnered with him and played a part in his ministry. He makes use of his opportunity to thank and commend them before he ends his letter. Once again, partnership is everything in the spread of God’s kingdom. Paul recognised, acknowledged and commended them by name for their part in this great mission.