Life is filled with encounters! Some encounters are very brief; while, others intermingle with us for our entire lifetime. Our encounters are varied and wide from finances to illnesses we must battle. Then there are those encounters with other people that weave in and out of our lives. The lady selling tacos on the corner stand in Mexico. Co-workers, friends, family, taxi drivers, the young man at the checkout stand, the drive through attendant, law enforcement, and church groups all are people with whom we may encounter in our life time. Jesus said that we are salt and light to the world. But what could that possibly mean? How should that affect the way we see encounters in our life.
Paul advised the church at Colossae to beware of false doctrine seeping into their community. He, then asked them for prayer that God open doors for Paul to continue teaching the truth of the gospel; that others might come to know Jesus Christ. Furthermore, immediately after asking that the church pray continually; he then wrote:
Colossians 4:5-6
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
WALKING IN WISDOM-ENCOUNTERS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Paul said, “Walk wisely among the Unbelievers.” To walk wisely requires both knowledge, prayer, and seeking the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we need to be always mindful that our behavior may be the only picture of Christ that someone else sees. Every encounter requires us to be wise and to make decisions that bring honor to our heavenly Father.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
REDEEMING THE TIME
Today may be the last opportunity for you to present Christ to someone. I do not mean by preaching to everyone you meet. What I do mean is to display a life that reflects Christ in you. Genuine peace, joy, hope, and kindness should always be on display. Pray that God open hearts and doors for you. When people notice your joy when facing trials, your peace in the middle of conflicts, your hope when everything is going badly, and your kindness in the face of criticism; they begin to desire that which gives you strength. Then, God swings open the door of opportunity to speak. I know because I have seen it happen too many times. Your actions in this case are much louder than any words.
We live in a time when evil surrounds us; sometimes, disguised as “good.” Because of that, we must be wise; considering our actions with great thoughtfulness.
EPHESIANS 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
ALWAYS SPEAK WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT
Our speech should always be gracious in every encounter of life; because of the magnitude of Grace God has given us; yet, seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor to life; but, it also does a lot more.
Salt kills bacteria as noted in salt water gargles. We use it as a preservative. It also provides the balance of water held within each of our cells. Because of all the additional benefits of salt; we need to consider what it means to speak with Grace, seasoned with Salt.
Therefore, our speech must remain gracious and kind; however, it also must be done so with truth. If I tell you, your dress looks great for a picture; I would be gracious. However, if that dress had a large stain on the shoulder; then, I would not be telling you the truth. You would see the stain later in the mirror and realize that my attempt at being gracious was not kind. The same is true when we attempt to be so gracious that we fail to tell people the truth. If I truly love others, then I must passionately be concerned about their eternity and their happiness here on earth. Knowing that God is the living water that can quench their thirst; how could I not tell them of His love when the opportunity arises.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
To speak with grace, seasoned with salt means that we speak truth with kindness. Salt also enhances flavor; just as Christ enhances our ability to see beauty in the world. Our speech should reflect this as well.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
I want to take an opportunity to show you an example of the amazing artwork of my son. This is an uploaded picture of an original drawing. The original is done with a pencil. There are many others on display or he will do an original drawing for you. This can be seen at http://roninron.com
[bctt tweet=”Every life encounter: Be wise & make decisions that bring honor Your Heavenly Father.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]To speak with grace, seasoned with salt means speak truth with kindness. [/tweetthis]
Picture used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@anubhav
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.