Seasoned with salt

Colossians 4:2-6.

I recall my first meeting as a student back in Edinburgh with my program leader. I walked into his office and greeted him. And he responded ‘...Are you Nigerian? It's the way you bowed your head when you said Good morning.’

There's something about culture that's very central to uniquely identifying people. Some core aspects of culture are part of who we are to everyone. Very obvious ones are language and accent.

Paul in writing to a young growing church in Colossae encourages them on Christian living:

Be ‘devoted’ to Prayer - commit to prayer, be watchful (i.e. alert to the things of the Spirit) and thankful. (v2-4)
Be ‘wise’ in how you live - so that your life can be a signpost to draw people to God. (v5; Matthew 5:16)
Be ‘graceful’ in speech ... towards everyone (v6). So this is not just an evangelistic aim. Rather, this is like the Christian language.

Graceful in speech is how a Believer (one born in Christ) is meant to speak at all times, it's our culture - our accent, our language. One that is:

Always full of grace (6).

The way we speak as believers ought to always reveal something of Christ's character - wholesome, gracious, loving, gentle words. Ephesians 4:15, 29.

Seasoned with salt (6).

As believers, our words are powerful and effective. Like salt, it needs to always have positive effects (and never lose it, Matthew 5:13) - healing, correcting, purifying. (Proverbs 16:24, 20:15). If our words are meant to be so, it does mean there are times not to speak (Proverbs 11:12).

Graceful and seasoned speech flows from; Our relationship with God and devotion to prayer (v2) - asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance. And also living wisely (v5) - to know when and how to respond.

Reflect & Pray

In what situations do you find it difficult to respond gracefully? How can you best apply Paul's encouragement?

Father by the work of the Holy Spirit, create the culture of Christ in me and help my speech to always be filled with grace and seasoned with salt, in Jesus' name.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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