Friday, October 12, 2012

Seasoned With Salt

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:5-6).

Occasionally, I will meet someone who prefers tasteless food. I knew one individual who, for health reasons, couldn't eat any spiced and/or spicy food. But for the most part, we like to eat food that is spiced and flavorful, and salt is, without a doubt, the go-to spice. How many times have you reached for the salt-shaker after eating a bite of bland corn or dry meat?
 
Likewise, season your speech just as you would season your food. The word "seasoned" in the Greek literally means, "stimulate." So your speech - your words to the lost - ought to be stimulating and thought-provoking.
 
Folks, we need to take this seriously. Souls are at steak! Study and prepare yourself. Begin each day with prayer, and "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). Be alert for opportunities to share your faith, and make the most of those conversations. Ask stimulating questions. Offer thoughful answers when asked stimulating questions. Be patient and deliberate.
 
No one is saying that you have to be perfect in your presentation. All I'm suggesting, based on this verse in Colossians, is that you take this work seriously. To put this in food terms, don't resign yourself to Ramen noodles and Spaghetti-O's. Offer spiritual meals that will be so stimulating and tasty that people will come back for seconds...and thirds...

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