The Right Words to Say

Monday, August 5, 2018

Colossians 4:3-4: At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the work to declare the mystery of Christ on account of which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

"Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?" Detective Carter speaks loudly at Detective Lee from Hong Kong in the movie "Rush Hour."

We all struggle with being heard AND being understood. St. Paul is no exception in our passage today. Paul wants to make sure that:

1. He wants the opportunity to speak
2. And clarity of what to say

The Opportunity to Speak:

We all want the chance. We all want the God give opportunity to share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. AND at the same time, we don't want it. 

Sharing the Gospel puts us on the spot. There is no hiding behind vailed actions. We stand up and we stand out. Once the words are out there is no turning back. Part of us, the human part, doesn't want to stand out. The saint part wants to "boldly go where no man has gone before." Yet here is the point. God will, and does, open doors to speak the Gospel whether we want to or not. So, when you recognize the opportunity, seize it. God will guide your words because they'll not be your words. They'll be HIS!

The Clarity of What to Say:

Because the words are His coming out of our mouths, they will be clear. So let God speak and get out of His way.

Easier said than done. We get tongue tied all the time. And I'm not referring to speaking about God and for God only. I sometimes trip over my own tongue and gibberish comes out.

Does the same thing happen to you? Of course it does. And the possibility speaking gibberish is scary, it's fearful, and it causes us to freeze in our tracks. 

At the same time, we can give thanks to God because it is God the Holy Spirit who gives us the right words to say and the clarity of words that are said. God will make sure we are saying the words from Him that will impact our hearers with conviction of sin and surety of salvation. There is nothing to do but to trust God to implant the right words.Then say them.

Dear God, thank You for Your truth and Your grace to share to those around me, Amen.