

Wisdom from Above
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 NASBS
Beloved, While imprisoned in Rome, the Apostle Paul penned a significant letter to strengthen the believers in the church of Colossae. He understood that each day, God’s children were enveloped in a culture steeped in sinful behavior and were constantly influenced by those who pursued lustful desires. Thus, it was essential for them to stand firm against the fiery darts of the evil one, resisting the temptations that could easily entrap them. They had been bought at a great price—the blood of Jesus Christ—and their lives no longer belonged to themselves.
Paul is concerned that the integrity of the gospel might be compromised in the eyes of the lost due to the shortcomings of those who are still young in their faith. Thus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he urges them, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.”
They must recognize that they are now ambassadors of truth, called to herald the gospel of Jesus Christ, to a dying culture, and to live worthy of that which they have been called. This small church that was once lost in darkness, has now been entrusted with proclaiming the greatest message ever known: that salvation is found in no one but Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, we must cherish the cross of our salvation. Today, let this truth resonate deeply within your hearts, for the knowledge of God leads to wisdom, which is manifested in the lives of those who have come to Jesus Christ in faith and repentance. Understand, in Christ, we become a reflection of God’s glory to all those we encounter. James, the leader of the early church in Jerusalem, reminds us that faith apart from the obedience to God‘s word is dead and does not produce the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Therefore, by God’s grace, may we heed the Apostle’s command and immerse ourselves in the Word of God, which will, in turn, foster a lifestyle of obedience that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter informs us that God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, has endowed all Christians with the power to live a life of godliness. This is a selfless life that seeks to bring glory to Jesus Christ in everything. It is a life of sacrifice, self denial, and commitment to the one who has saved us from eternal death.
Living a life of purity in our culture presents a significant challenge that should not be taken lightly. Many outside the Christian faith scrutinize the lives of believers, eager to mock and disprove the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of those who are in Christ. Therefore, let us, as obedient children, put on the breastplate of faith and love, and take up the helmet of our salvation, engaging in every battle against the sin, for sin seeks to undermine the church of the living God and bring a reproach upon the name of Jesus. Today if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that God would bring you to do so.