DT – Colossians 4:5-6
Think about the significance of non-Christians being identified as “outsiders.” What does this teach about a Christian’s proper understanding of the community and people that he/she rightly belongs to? A Christian community is holy, meaning separate. It has values that are different from those of the world. Christians must understand this, and they must also understand that they are on the “inside.” I’m not saying this to suggest that Christians should feel superior. But rather, by knowing that they are on the inside, a Christian must understand that community will be a very significant part of his life. The Christian’s primary and important relationships will be with those on the inside. Most of his interactions will be with those on the inside. He or she will learn to trust those on the inside. The goal of the “inside” community is not to become increasingly insular and to selfishly monopolize and protect a treasure from the rest of the world. Rather it is to share the community with everyone, inviting them in to experience the community that God wants for ALL men.
Why would believers have to be “wise” toward outsiders? In what ways do I need to be wise in my action toward outsiders? Believers need to be wise toward outsiders because outsiders do not understand why believers do what they do. Others think that believers are weird, and others are hostile to believers. Furthermore, some outsiders want to see Christianity fail. And for one or more of these reasons, the world interacts with Christians with great scrutiny. And so, we need wisdom in order to engage the world lovingly because that is what we are called to do.
What does “making the most of every opportunity” mean in this context of relating with outsiders, and how have I been in this regard? Making the most of every opportunity with outsiders is really making the most of every opportunity to reach out to those outside of my community and inviting them in. In short, making the most of every opportunity is evangelism: it’s introducing them to my life, my community, the values we share and the Lord who makes this community possible.
What do I need to do in order to make sure my conversations are “full of grace” so that I may know how to answer everyone? One thing that I must to do this is to reflect on the gospel daily and personally and revisit the moments that God had forgiveness and mercy on me. I must not lose sight of myself and of what God did in my life. I must not forget that I have been forgiven much and have been afforded much grace. It’s with that kind of grace, flowing in my system, that I’m to converse with others.
Tags: Colossians
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