Our Actions Matter

Col. 4:5-6
    We live in a society and time where people think they can do literally anything, and it is ok. They think it is ok with society, and they think it is ok with God. Scriptures tell a very different story. “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:5-6, NASB). Paul tells the church in Colossae, what they say and do matters. Especially to outsiders (obviously meaning those outside of the church). Paul told Timothy, “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:14-15). Paul makes it clear that God has an expectation for how christians, members of the church (Col. 1:13-14; Acts 2:41 & 47), are to behave. There is an expectation of how we treat people outside of the church and how we are to behave inside of the church. It is of note that Paul told the church at Colossae that their speech should be “seasoned with salt.” Salt in the ancient world was used as a preservative. Our speech is supposed to have a preserving quality. The only thing that preserves souls and eternity is the Gospel (Rom. 1:16). Furthermore, we are to not let an “unwholesome” word come from our mouths, but that which is good for “edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29). Again, the grace of God is that he sent his Son to die for our sins (Titus 2:11-12). We need to use our actions, especially our speech to fulfill the mission of Jesus, seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10, 1 Tim. 1:15). So, I shall give this to you as well. The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4). The Gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:15) and we come in contact with the blood of Christ by reenacting that beautiful action through baptism (Rom. 6:2-6). This is the message, word, and action we need to take to the world. I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley