Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Beliefnet.com listed several outstanding testimonies of Christians that set new Olympic records and used the platform to glorify God at the Tokyo Olympics. I loved how Allyson Felix, from our local area, who won the Bronze medal for the 400-meter dash for the US at the Tokyo Olympics, was noted for thanking God for His “grace” that enabled her to be in the Olympics. She repeatedly attributed God’s grace,” which is something she is grateful for. Several names and testimonies were proclaimed here, but British rower Debbie Flood especially caught my eye. She was quoted as saying, “Jesus is more important than a gold medal because a gold medal is temporary. Gold medals will be forgotten about, and I won’t be taking [my medal] with me when I pass away.” These most decorated Christian athletes made the best use of the opportunity to attractively point others to Christ and give God the glory for their success at our recent Tokyo Olympics. It was refreshing to read some good news for a change of professional athletes living out Colossians 4:5-6.
What does walking in wisdom look like to you? Proverbs 17:27 states, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Having a “cool spirit” refers to restraining your words with caution and avoiding those with angry attitudes. When one is angry they do not have a “cool spirit.” Solomon also talked about one who thinks before he speaks, never answering in haste, “is a man of understanding.” There is always that delicate balance to achieve. I see many of us are facing this dilemma in our work roles and current political climate.
Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 4:11a, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God.” I think I sometimes forget that fact. Do you?
Did you know that salt is not meant to alter the flavor of food but to enhance it? Salt also plays a prominent role in creating texture in food. When making homemade bread, the amount of salt affects the rate of yeast fermentation, which will affect the bread’s texture. When salt is put on at just the right time on a steak, it will release more liquid, resulting in a juicy and rich flavored steak. When salt is used in small amounts, it will intensify sweetness. Try adding salt to fresh fruit and see how the flavor changes in your mouth. Did you know that adding salt to broccoli will de-bitter it? Paul used the phrase “seasoned with salt” to clarify and give a picture from using one’s senses about speaking in a stimulating, compassionate, but gracious and wise way to draw people to God and warn them of the danger of them running from God. “Grace and salt (wit, sense) make an ideal combination.” Robertson.
“Barkley translates Colossians 4:6 this way: Let your speech always be with gracious charm, seasoned with the salt of wit, so that you will know the right answer to give in every case . . . The Christian must commend his message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus himself.” David Guzik Commentary. This is a principle I need to live by and better apply.
Listen to Phil Wickham – Where I’m Standing Now (Official Lyric Video) ft. Brandan Lake. June 25 ,2021.