“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
We spend quite a bit of time talking about our responsibilities to one another as Christians. Our kinship is to be strong as brethren in Christ, as we demonstrate our brotherly love in “deed and truth” (cf. 1 John 3:18).
Another area we have responsibilities relates to the world at large. It is here, after discussing individual, brotherly and familial duties, he speaks of our response to the world. The idea of a wise walk is simple. We are to conduct ourselves among the world in very specific way. We are to do nothing that would endanger our profession of faith, nothing that would cause those in the world to think less of the gospel of Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
“Redeeming the time” means to use every opportunity you have to do good to those who were without. Time by its nature is limited, and should not be wasted. Finally, be sure you are capable in speech to express the graciousness that would cause someone to listen to truth!
