Paul’s advice to a group of believers living in a
largely pagan and idol-worshipping culture was to be wise in their conversation,
literally, everything they do. His
emphasis on being “gracious and attractive” with words is especially
telling. There is an art to remaining on
the higher plane when opponents continually hit below the belt! It is an art I freely admit not having
mastered. When I think of 21st century culture I’m convinced it’s
a practice that needs to make a comeback.
Pick a segment of the current culture, and describe it
in terms of commitment to truth, kindness, honesty, or love; then think about if
you’d recommend any of this culture’s ways be continued in Heaven. Think about:
politics, media, law, entertainment, professional sports, or the
corporate world. Do you see much graciousness,
love, or even the most rudimentary aspects of truth, kindness, or honesty? Or is it primarily self-serving, rude, and
incredibly false? (I told you I hadn’t
mastered gracious and attractive yet, but at least it must ring true).
So, if our culture aligns rather consistently with Colossian
culture, where just getting through the day was a tough assignment, what was
Paul aiming at? What good could
attractive, kind words make in that kind of environment?
I’m glad you asked.
Even amongst the least-religious, least-interested in faith
or God, there is an image of God stamped on the soul. Granted, that image may be long-faded, or muddled
by worldly, Godless living, or just plain neglect of spiritual life, but it is
there, and graciousness, kindness, and honesty, with words that match, will
remind lost sheep that they have a home waiting for them when they’re done with
the pigpen.
That, frankly, is the job description for found
sheep, telling the lost ones about the way back
to the Shepherd. And when they won’t
listen to preachers, or other religious professionals, because they’ve learned
in this tough world to never trust anyone, it is the kind words, surprising honesty,
and gracious ways of helpful sheep that will connect with that image of God on even
the most hardened wanderer.
For You Today
It’s easy to fall into the ways of the
world, because you’ll find approval there, from those who need a little
propping-up in their own walk away from God. But if you ever hope to rescue a lost sheep
God is trying to reach, you’ll have to swim against the tide of rude, self-serving
lies. Gracious and attractive conversation…well,
it’s more than just words. In the
original language, the word we have translated “conversation” means everything
about the way you conduct your daily living. So, Paul is really saying go
all-in for honesty, truthfulness, and being kind; those are the tools
of the trade for any who wish to do God’s calling.
There are about 2,000 devotional
posts in the Rocky Road Devotions library.
To dig deeper on today’s topic read: The Grumpy Christian
[1] Images: Pixabay.com Unless noted, Scripture quoted from The New Living Translation©
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