When you are
with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their
interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready
to give answers to anyone who asks questions. Colossians 4:5-6 CEV
Do you spend
much time with unbelievers? Most of my career has been spent around Christians.
I don't often interact with unbelievers, which is kind of sad. But the advice
Paul gives in Colossians 4 is a good reminder for me, and for those of you who
ever relate with non-believers.
These two
verses pack a lot of good advice regarding evangelism. Here are some thoughts.
Make good
use of the time. When you are with unbelievers, make sure the time is quality
time. I don't think Paul means that every conversation has to be deeply
spiritual, but when you leave a non-believer, are they left eager to see you
again soon?
Be pleasant.
You have to admit, some evangelistic tactic aren't very pleasant. They create
an environment of fear or hostility. Being pleasant is demonstrated in so many
ways. It's basic kindness, courtesy and consideration.
Hold their
interest. The gospel is fascinating and relevant. But sometimes it is portrayed
in such a deep, theological way that it goes right over the heads of people.
I'm not suggesting compromising the message or watering it down, but presenting
it in an engaging, interesting way, that may vary according to your audience.
Choose your
words carefully. Remember that many unbelievers have no clue what some of our
Christian "jargon" means. They don't use terms like "doing life
together," "sanctification," "predestination,"
"free will" etc in everyday conversations. Don't act overly
intellectual or superior.
Be ready to
give answers. Know your beliefs and know the Scripture well enough so you can
engage in a dialog intelligently and in an understandable way. This means that
you will regularly need to be spending time in God's word yourself, and
learning. You may be surprised what comes out when you have regularly invested
into your own heart and mind's "pool of knowledge."
To anyone
who asks questions. Paul is assuming that the people with whom we have a
relationship will ask questions. Notice that in much of the tone of this
particular passage, Paul isn't suggesting we push ourselves on others or get in
their face. Instead he is teaching how to handle the times when we are
"with them" and when THEY ask questions. This isn't saying you can't
bring things up. Just that you should be pleasant and careful about how you
share the gospel.
Live the
gospel in your life and people will want to know more. Be ready for the times
God brings someone your way. I'll never forget when God brought someone across
my path, which had questions, and I was ready with an answer. She accepted
Christ a few days later. What a joy to have been a part of that!
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