“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 NLT
It was a week before Christmas break; I’d signed up to volunteer to serve the teacher’s breakfast, but I needed to check in first. The front office was full of seasonal excitement, sickness, and general morning chaos.
As I waited for my assignment, I noticed a mother bringing her three children. As she combed down stray hairs, double-checked they had their lunches, and gave hugs, I realized I recognized her little boy. I shared with the mom how sweet her son was, and she thanked me quickly but remained focused on getting her children to their classrooms.
Thinking nothing more of the exchange, I began my task and continued my day. As I finished my shift, I returned to the front office to say goodbye and check out. There sat the woman from before. She immediately jumped up and approached me, “I’ve been waiting for you. Thank you for your kind words today. I was busy this morning, but I just wanted you to know I need to hear those,” she said with tears percolating in the corners of her eyes.
We spoke for a few more minutes about her current situation, sharing war stories of getting kids ready in the morning. As we were talking, I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart, “Ask her if you can pray for her.” Trying to silence or pretend I misunderstood the Spirit’s prompting, I worked to wrap up the conversation. But I couldn’t leave it there; with a racing heart, I asked her name and shared with her that I wanted to pray for her and her family, asking if there was anything specific I could lift to the Lord.
Again, her eyes watered, and she expressed sincere gratitude that I would offer to pray for her and shared a few things that weighed heavy on her heart. I promised to go to the Lord on her behalf, and we said our goodbyes.
Giving a few words of encouragement and offering to pray for this woman isn’t going to win any awards for the greatest act of faith. But, sometimes, being willing to pause from our day, offer a kind word, listen to someone’s story, and offer to pray over them is the biggest and best thing we can do for that day.
Not all gospel opportunities will be grand, over-the-top moments where we see massive results. Most of the time, we share the extraordinary gospel story in ordinary ways. In a world where humans and relationships are treated like commodities, we as believers share that people matter to Jesus, and therefore, they matter to us.
In our key verse, Paul reminds us in his letter to the Colossians that the way Christians act, specifically how they interact with non-believers, is an integral part of bringing people to Christ. Living wisely, or walking in wisdom as it says in other translations, means using discernment or ensuring that our speech and actions match what we believe. We need to be a body of believers that not only talks the gospel talk but walks the gospel walk consistently and continually.
While we can’t live perfect lives, we can strive each day to pursue holiness and make the most of every opportunity to share the love of Christ with those in our sphere of influence. Our time on earth is short, and we don’t know when the Lord will decide to end our life or the lives of those around us. If we feel the Holy Spirit pricking our hearts to speak to someone, say a prayer, or share our testimony or good news of Christ, then we should act!
Graciously, this particular day, I was obedient in sharing what the Lord laid on my heart, but there have been many opportunities I’d shied away from taking action on the Spirit's prompting. If we believe that everyone will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell, then we don’t have time to waste! May we use each interaction, conversation, or circumstance to share our faith. People matter to God; may our actions also show that they matter to us.
Heavenly Father, we ask that You help us as we lean into the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May we be so instep with You that we are sensitive to Your leading in our lives? We pray for those who don’t know You as Lord and Savior. Give us courage as we boldly proclaim Christ! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Fizkes
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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Originally published Wednesday, 31 January 2024.
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