24 Aug September 23 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS

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

There is saying that has been around for a long time.  It says, “the only Bible some people will ever read is you.”  How you conduct your life, speak to people, treat friend and enemy alike, is measured against the words from the Bible you proclaim. Francis of Assisi said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27)

A neighbor said of the Christian living next door, they did not see that person living their life any differently than the way non-Christians speak and live.  There are two take-aways from this comment:  1) the neighbor is obviously watching how the Christian lives their life.  2) The neighbor expected the Christian next door to treat and speak differently than non-Christians.

In 1966 Peter Scholtes penned a simple Christian folk song titled: “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”  He wrote this to use in his ministry in south Chicago, IL to encourage his parishioners to “love their neighbors.” (Matthew 22:39)  Of course he knew these words of Jesus as well, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

St. Paul urged the Christians in Ephesus, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2) Jesus has called you to a life that witnesses to others about Him.  Yes, the only way some will ever know the love of Jesus is by learning about it from what you say and do.

Prayer:  Let the words of my mouth and the way that I live, O Lord, be acceptable in Your sight and a witness to others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

The saints in Christ are one in ev’ry place

To serve the Gospel of His costly grace;

From those first days to this, our hope the same;

The love of Christ, one Lord, one saving name.

In chains for Christ! His pris’ners love to sing,

For slaves and free rejoice to praise our King;

What though the Church on earth still suffers wrong?

The cross of Christ remains our pilgrim song.

To live is Christ, for us, to die is gain;

Where then shall be our hunger, danger, pain?

Our joy to preach good news to rich and poor,

Then be with Christ, to live forevermore.

Lord Jesus Chris! Heav’n’s praise let earth repeat;

The work that You began, You will complete.

By grace let ev’ry foe become Your friend;

Your day, O Christ, shall down and never end.

(LSB 838)