Wisdom and Redeeming the Time. Colossians 4:5. Wisdom doesn’t come easily! It is especially hard to know how to act toward those who are not saved. The easy way is to avoid confrontation and blend in with what's around. However, they expect better from me, and I expect better from myself. Being offensive cuts me off from any positive influence. Being passive isn't being faithful. Being active might seem less genuine. To be wise is to meet needs, be influential, and stay authentic. More than that, it’s to live a life that consistently reflects authenticity, just as the Lord Jesus did when He was here.
Our public behavior often mirrors our private life. The walk of a believer—the visible public display—is observed by those outside God's kingdom. Our passion for the Gospel and our restraint to avoid unnecessary offense must go together. A casual attitude toward eternal matters reduces their importance in most people's eyes, making them as trivial as a news broadcast. Exuberance without caution can offend many. We need to combine common sense with spiritual understanding practically. Think carefully about what we will say beforehand, and then the Holy Spirit can take that mental and emotional preparation and use it effectively. We must be willing to dedicate the needed time and effort, wisely using our intelligence in our actions.
Living out your faith before nonbelievers is probably the most effective way to share the Gospel. When our behavior is consistent and upholds the message of salvation, it can strongly influence those who are not yet saved. Wisdom is essential to avoid misunderstandings and prejudice. Maintaining the right balance of common sense and wisdom, along with enthusiasm and a sense of obligation, is not always easy. Enthusiasm and tact must be displayed together.
Being 'without” means missing something vital. It refers to an inner place they are not part of, a role they cannot fulfill, a work they are not involved in, and a pleasure they do not enjoy. To be “without” includes being “without God, without Christ, without hope in the world.” Walking in wisdom toward these individuals is one of the best ways I can bring the blessing of the Gospel of Christ to them. They may not listen, may not want me to speak to them, and may avoid me, but if I walk in wisdom toward them, in God’s timing, the opportunity to speak of Christ will come.
To connect the “mystery of Christ” to “those who are without” (outsiders) the kingdom of God, Christian behavior in daily life is the most visible and practical way we can demonstrate this. Words spoken, facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and personal interest are visible and understandable to people of all ages. Wise living in contact with those “without” undeniably has a positive effect.
In the days of the early church, Christians were often looked at with suspicion and disdain because they didn’t worship the gods of the Greeks and Romans. They would have been considered to be atheists and unpatriotic because they didn’t burn incense to the Roman emperor, who was considered a god to be worshipped. The Lord’s Supper, with emblems speaking of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus, of which people partook, would have been considered cannibalistic by some unbelievers.
Misrepresentation of what Christians believe remains as common now as it was before. The clearest way to counteract this misunderstanding is through the dignity, honor, and integrity of Christians who are committed to living virtuous and holy lives. Such standards are impossible for us to reach by our own efforts, but “If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to us liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Ask in faith and “walk in wisdom,” making good use of the short time we have here will be worth whatever costs may be incurred.
“Living Christ” redeems the time; speaking of Christ redeems the time; prayers of intercession redeem the time; acts of kindness redeem the time; and being zealous for good works redeems the time. May I always be ready and available to respond to all opportunities to redeem the time!