Relevant Word

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 

-Colossians 4:5

Consider This: All of us are on the clock. We have a certain amount of time before our earthly life expires. Within these moments are chances to win outsiders (nonbelievers) into the body of Christ. However, in order to do this, we must always walk in wisdom toward outsiders. We may only get one time to demonstrate to a person the influence and wisdom of Christ. If we do not “redeem the time” we may never have the opportunity again.

Relevance: Today, many of us send nonbelievers mixed messages. If the ones who are on the outside observe us constantly displaying anger, deception, drunkenness, promiscuity, greed, and selfishness, how will they ever witness the true walk of a believer? We cannot curse out people in the name of Christ, lie to others in the name of the Lord, or gossip for God’s glory. Cursing, lying, and gossiping are not synonymous with God. They are opposite and go completely against Him. Yet, this is the message we send nonbelievers anytime we are blatantly sinning with no remorse or repentance.

Application: As believers, we must constantly walk in wisdom. We do not have the opportunity to take a few days or weeks off from walking in wisdom. Because the few days we take off may be a confirmation for an outsider to keep walking down a path of unrighteousness. We are not perfect, and we will always struggle with sin, but this should never discourage us from trying our best to display righteousness and walk in a godly manner every day of our lives.