Be Wise in the Way You Act

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6 

God calls us to be wise, just as Solomon was.

Asking the Lord to give us wisdom in the way we act.

Especially toward outsiders.

Making the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel.

Letting our conversation be full of grace.

Not strident or off-putting.

Well seasoned and thoughtful.

Listening to God so we are able to answer everyone who asks.

And so they will hear.

Let Your Conversation Be Full of Grace

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6 

I think God put us in families just to practice His commands in extremely difficult situations.

It's much harder for me to be full of grace with my family than with my coworkers and friends.

I'm much more patient and kind to acquaintances.

And I don't lose patience as easily with friends.

So the family becomes a good proving ground to let me know how well I'm following God's Word.

Usually I miss the mark by a long shot.

I pray that God will give me wisdom so that my actions toward others please Him.

So my conversation is full of grace.

And so I know how to answer everyone, even those I don't agree with.

Be Wise in the Way You Act

 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

It's easy to slip into grumbling and complaining.

Especially when those around me are doing the same.

But God call us to be wise.

Even in the way we act and speak.

Especially when we are with outsiders.

God commands us to make the most of every opportunity.

He asks us to let Him guide our ways.

Conducting Ourselves With Wisdom

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

This week I have my book club.

We're reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

I also read her books, The Nightingale and Firefly Lane.

I think this was my favorite so far, even though it was sad.

It took place during the dust bowl.

And it traced the lives of a family who had to move from Texas to California to pick strawberries and cotton.

They became indebted to the company store.

And they were called dirty Oakies by the people who had moved to California years before.

Even so, they treated others with kindness and respect.

With wisdom toward outsiders.

That's what God asks me to do, too.

The Way You Act

  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Today I interviewed a candidate for our writer job opening.

We were all very impressed.

She and I hit it off, and we both think we would enjoy working together.

I called her to make an offer, and she was very excited.

We'll see if she will accept the offer next week.

If so, she will be available to start in May, as long as her background check goes through.

It will be one of our quickest hires ever for this company.

I am praying for God's will to be done.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Today I will meet some friends for a walk down to the old mission dam on Mission Trails.

Then I'll head over to La Jolla to swim.

Hopefully the pool has the heater working again.

Last week when Abby swam, it was really cold. 

Several people left the pool.

She was the only one who stayed to swim the whole time.

I'm hoping tomorrow will be warmer.

Last night we met a visitor to our worship service.

Sarah joined us for the first time and enjoyed the worship in the courtyard.

She had a 9- and 5-year-old. 

Hopefully she will join us for our zoom Bible study on Friday morning.

 

Be Wise

 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

I am not always wise in the way I act toward others.

God reminds me to act wisely toward everyone.

He commands me to make the most of every opportunity.

Yesterday I interviewed a candidate for our writer position.

We have been looking for someone to fill this opening since June.

It is hard to have the patience to wait for the person God has in mind for this position.

Even so, I know He will guide us to the right person.

I will make the most of every opportunity, with His guidance.

Be Wise in the Way You Act

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Friday night we had another hymn sing at our church.

It was held outside in our church courtyard.

The weather was perfect and the acoustics were great.

The orchestra played beautifully.

Tzytle and her mom led the singing.

There was a good crowd of people - we were socially distanced and wearing masks.

And they took our temperatures before we entered.

God asks us to be wise in the way we act.

Especially toward outsiders.

He calls us to make the most of every opportunity.

 

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. — Ephesians 5:15

Today I am working at home and getting a lot done without constant interruptions and meetings.

I'm taking a quick lunch break to type this post before getting back to the work computer.

God has provided another beautiful day.

Tonight I will gather with friends to celebrate a friend's 65th birthday.

We will have a fun time over dinner with the girls, catching up and relaxing together.

Tomorrow City Tree School has their annual CHristmas program in our church sanctuary.

I'll join Abby for dinner afterward — they're serving lasagna — before choir rehearsal begins.

Kirk and I went out to dinner together on Monday after my doctor appointment.

She said I'm doing great. No residual signs of radiation.

Other than calcium and a multi-vitamin, I'm only on one medication, an Estrogen inhibitor.

And she signed an authorization form so I can join the LiveStrong program at the YMCA in January.

God continues to bless me. I am grateful.