3 basic needs in communicating your Faith

Read Colossians 4.

The Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, but he was not alone.  A company of no less than eight men are mentioned in this chapter who were there ministering to his needs.  Embracing and then proclaiming the message that all, Gentile and Jew, may have their sins forgiven by faith in Jesus initially caused his arrest in Jerusalem.  But he never complained, and he never stopped communicating his faith.

Through his letters, he kept on encouraging others to be bold in sharing the gospel of Christ.  Here, he admonished the Colossians with three basic needs in order to be faithful witnesses for Jesus.

1. Be persistent in your prayers (v.2)
Specifically, by name, who are those you are praying to receive Christ?  This is a spiritual battle and requires perseverance.  "Continue", "be devoted", never give up in pleading to the Lord on their behalf that they will be drawn to Jesus.  "And he (Jesus) told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)  Why keep praying when we do not see any change?  "Being watchful" and staying alert with anticipation is what praying in faith is all about.  And, "with thanksgiving" means that we are expressing gratitude for what God is already doing, even though we may not see it.

2. Be wise in your walk (v.5)
People who do not know Jesus are constantly watching our lives to see if we are genuine in our faith.  Every interaction with people can either open a door for the gospel or slam it shut.  How we need God's wisdom to know when to speak and what to say at those moments of opportunity.  A good deal of applied wisdom is in the use of our time.  Are we intentionally investing time with those who do not know Jesus to see if and when their hearts will be open?

3. Be seasoned in your speech (v.6)
Not only is the message important but we must pay attention to how we communicate.  The tone of one's manner within a relationship may make all the difference.  People need to know that we love them.  Paul instructed that we are to always "be gracious".  In a world that is too often rude and crude, gracious people can gain a hearing.  Then, the Apostle added that our speech needs to also be "seasoned with salt".  An appropriate dash of salt can make things more appetizing.  Salt will make one thirsty.  A great example of verse 6 in action is found in John 4, as Jesus spoke with the woman at the well.  What she heard motivated her to want to know more.