Wisdom Wednesday: Wisdom and Thanksgiving
Submitted by: Debbie’s Dad
“ Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
– Col 4:2–6 (NASB 95)
In this guidance to the believers in Colosse, Paul encourages a prayerful attitude of thankfulness (v.2), and a wise outward conduct toward outsiders – those who do not believe.
The context of this book is Paul’s encouragement to a largely Gentile church in Colosse, as he was in his first imprisonment in Rome (probably in the two-year period, A.D. 60-62). Colosse was a church in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul expressed his desire to visit and meet the believers there (Col. 1:7, 2:1. And 4:12).
In Chapter 1, Paul explained to the believers that he prayed they would grow in the knowledge of God’s will and be fruitful for Christ (1: 9-14). In Chapter 2, he reminded them that all true wisdom and knowledge is in Christ (2:1-5) and that human philosophical reasoning (2: 6-10). should not deceive them In chapter 3; he exhorted them to live godly lives and provide specific ways.
The verse this week is at the beginning of chapter 4 that closes by exhorting them to exhibit two qualities in their life:
- Thankful in Prayer—Continue or persevere in prayer with an attitude of thankfulness to God. Paul’s example was that we are thankful for the hope we have in Heaven (1:5), that we are fellow servants of Christ (1:7) and have a love for one another in the Spirit (1:8), that we can grow in our knowledge of Him (1:9-11) and that we share in the inheritance of saints (1:12)
- Wise in Conduct–Behave toward unbelievers wisely–and Paul explains that this means:
- Use every opportunity for Christ,
- Be gracious when you speak, be pleasant,
- Respond to each person appropriately. (Peter echoes this thought, “… but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15 NASB 95).
At this time of Thanksgiving, let us be reminded to be thankful toward God and wise toward those who do not yet know Him. May we be the one that introduces them to our Redeemer.