Prepared and Willing

 ^5(I)Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward ^(J)outsiders, ^(K)making the most of the opportunity.
 ^6(L)Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with ^(M)salt, so that you will know how you should ^(N)respond to each person.



Colossians 4:5-6


Paul is concluding his letter to the Colossians by reminding us that God uses us to talk to people as new creations in Christ; especially those who don't know Him yet.  We are the arms, legs and voices for God so we can't forget our purpose, to spread to Gospel through our giftings.  But we cannot be lukewarm in doing so, we need to prepare our hearts by intentional work.  We need to spiritually transform ourselves through the renewing of our minds.


As much as I want to do this, I struggle with it.  Not because I don't see the reason for it, it's because I feel unequipped.  When I first became this new creation in Christ I felt this way.  Then I felt a little more prepared, then a season of ready and willing with where I was.  But since then there's been a gradual decline, not in preparedness but in willingness.  I'd use excuses that passes the buck onto someone else or that I convince myself I'm too busy or I can do it later.  I need to straighten out my thoughts and heart to be ready to serve in any capacity, in any storm.


Father God, thank You for being there for me reminding me of why I was put on this planet and this time.  Help me to open my eyes to the lost around me as well as transforming my heart through Your commands.  Help me to love unconditionally with fullness of grace.  In the wonderful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!