Prayer and Witness
| Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians4:2-6) |
First and foremost, Paul urges us to commit to prayer with an alert mind and a heart brimming with thankfulness. This underscores our reliance on God for every facet of our service, particularly when it comes to sharing the Gospel. Prayerlessness is a sign of self-sufficiency, and true witnesses of Christ must approach their mission with unwavering dependence on God. Our prayers should be fervent, vigilant, and filled with gratitude, with a focus on God granting us clarity in conveying the Gospel.
Secondly, Paul implores us to be mindful of our way of life when undertaking the mission of sharing the Gospel. Verse 5 encourages us to exhibit wisdom in our interactions with non-believers. Living wisely means conducting ourselves in a manner that aligns with our identity in Christ Jesus. Our lives must bear witness to the salvation we have received, as others are observing our actions. We are also called to seize every opportunity to share God's Word, as time is fleeting. Creativity in finding moments and avenues to proclaim the Gospel is crucial.
Lastly, in verse 6, Paul stresses the importance of gracious and effective conversation as we strive to spread the Gospel. Every believer must ensure that their speech is both gracious and impactful, providing the right response for each individual. While we pray for opportunities to share the Gospel and live lives that reflect it, we must remember that the Gospel needs to be spoken. Paul encourages us to share it with kindness and grace, speaking the truth in love. We must always be prepared to articulate the hope within us.
In conclusion, prayer, our way of life, and the manner in which we speak are pivotal elements for effective Gospel witnesses. These aspects ensure that we rely on God's guidance, live in a way that testifies to our faith, and speak the Gospel truth with grace and love. Through prayer, wisdom, and gracious speech, we become powerful conduits for God's redemptive message, shining a light for all to see.
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Rev Judith Chirwa Mkandawire, married to Rev Thomson Mkandawire. We have four children together. Am currently serving at Kanyama Presbyterian Church in Munali presbytery, Lusaka Zambia.
