Communication matters. Studies suggest that in communication 7% is in the words we speak, 38% is in the tone we use, and 55% is in our body language. Good communication includes listening and speaking and has two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. Our vertical communication is directed toward God, and our horizontal communication is directed toward people. Both matter greatly in the Christian life, and God has revealed how we can be effective in communicating with Him and others. --- Self-help, self-promotion, and self-preservation are dominating themes in our culture today that have affected the church and its witness in the world. As it was true in the early church, it remains true today that self-centered philosophies diminish the gospel of Jesus Christ. The book of Colossians serves to confront false teaching and deceitful philosophies by leading us to a proper understanding of what it means to live in Christ unblemished by the world.
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
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1. Communicating with God.
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Colossians 4:2-4 ESV
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
17 Never stop praying.
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Philippians 4:6 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
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1 John 5:14-15 NLT
14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
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2. Communicating with people.
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Colossians 4:5-6 ESV
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
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Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
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Ephesians 4:29 NLT
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
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Ephesians 4:15 NLT
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
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1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
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Application:
Alignment of character, conduct, and communication matter in our witness for Jesus in the world.