Speak the Truth in the Lord
A Message from Colossians 1:28
When was the last time we were asked if we were speaking the truth? We know in a court of law we have to swear on a Bible that everything we say is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And if we fail in that promise, we can even find ourselves in jail.
In Colossians 1:28 we are challenged by the Apostle Paul to not only tell the truth but that we would prioritize the things in life that are beneficial to us and others.
Colossians 1:28 (NLT) So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. Paul prioritizes telling others about Christ, warning people about things that are harmful and lastly teaching folks about the things of God that are important for them to know.
For most of us that’s a pretty good start to getting our lives on a good footing. We could ask ourselves are we good evangelists? How about us being good watchman, warning others about dangerous things that that could harm them? And are we good teachers of the word of God – helping people understand truth that is so absent in the public square today. All of these things are important and if we aren’t experts at them all perhaps, we are with one or two of the others listed.
The thing to keep in mind is that God isn’t interested in our expertise in these things of life, but he is interested in our willingness to share what we know with others. We may think our approach to these subjects are awkward or less smooth than some of the people we know. But I bet people are a lot more patient and forgiving at our delivery of speech than we realize, and they are likely just more interested in knowing what the things are we value. So, to be like the Apostle Paul in this way we should never allow our self-condemnation of our communication skills slow us down in sharing the things God has laid on our hearts. Each of us have great experiences and stories of how God has taught each of us how to trust Him and beware of life’s pitfalls that lurk in the night. And as for teaching, who doesn’t have something to share concerning something they learned from their own life’s experience that could benefit many listening to our stories.
Last year’s theme at Camp Daniel was “My Story” and it centered around how God reaches each one of us differently and how he uses the circumstances of our own life to make connections that we relate to best. And when we share those stories, people generally respond very favorably because we are just wired to appreciate good stories that help people get to better places in their lives.
So, in conclusions, don’t be afraid to tell others your story about how you found Jesus or how He steered you away from danger or bad influences, and lastly, how you helped others through something you shared or taught.
Remember this truth from Luke 6:45 (NLT) A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Invest into filling your heart with God’s word so you will have many good things to share with those who need to hear your life experiences.
How about you? Have you asked Jesus to save you from your sins and asked him to become the Lord of your life? If we are willing to surrender our lives to Him, he is faithful to keep his promise to make us his child and make a way for us to be a part of the Kingdom of God. It’s not enough to know he exists and saves us by what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary, but we must surrender our lives to Him, ask for his forgiveness, and trust by faith that he is more than capable to carry us to the end.
God bless and remember if you need someone to pray with or understand Jesus better with please contact us at The Able Church 920-497-8022.
If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, I encourage you do that today. Pray this simple prayer – Jesus I know I’m a sinner and I need the forgiveness your blood gives me when you went to the cross. Please cleanse me of my sins and be my Lord and Savior. Help me to live for you every day going forward in Jesus’ name – Amen.