Have you ever wondered what to say to a co-worker, neighbor or friend that would influence them for the cause of the Christ? Have you ever wished you could say or do something that would help you to be more effective witness for Christ? The apostle Paul gives us three timely truths or principles by which Christians can live that would help us all to be a more effective in our relationships to others. He writes to Christians in Colosse and as he closes out the section on Christian living he gives this advice in Colossians 4:2-6:

1. Be Devoted To Prayer: This isn't just a general statement about the importance of prayer, but prayer with a purpose. He tells them to "pray, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ...pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Just imagine, here is an apostle of Christ asking members of the church to pray for open doors for the Gospel message! Christian, we, too, must be about praying that God might open doors and hearts might be receptive to the truth!
2. Be Wise In the Way You Act: It's not enough to have the right message. We must live the word as well. People will only be as receptive as they see the word of Christ being "lived out" in the lives of believers. The old Vacation Bible School song the children sing is appropriate here, "O be careful little eyes what you see...feet where you go...hands what you do." It will make a difference in how others hear you!
3. Be Careful In What You Say: Paul says it this way, "Let your speech be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Husbands know this well. Our wives tell us, "It's the tone of your voice!" We respond with, "I don't HAVE a tone!" It's not what you say...but how you say it! Isn't that right? Again, it's not enough to know the truth and be able to answer all Biblical questions, but to answer with grace...and as with salt, with just the right amount of seasoning. It will go a long way in making receptive hearts!