Is It Salted?

Colossians 4:5-6 [5] Walk in wisdom toward those who  are outside, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech always be  with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

As I read these verses, I had to stop and seriously consider whether the words I speak each day honor God or cause others to raise an eyebrow; especially if they know or find out that I am a born again follower of Jesus. Hebrews 13 reminds us that we are to offer up the sacrifice of praise, and the fruit of our lips, which is thanksgiving. In the previous verses of this chapter in Colossians, the Apostle Paul requested prayers so that he would have opportunity to share the Gospel and know the words to speak. We are told to be wise about how we live out our faith amongst the lost, but we are also instructed to be careful with our speech. We are to be kind with our words, and speak the truth in love, showing grace. Salt was used to slow the decaying process, and was also used to add flavor. In the Old Testament it was used to indicate that a covenant made was a permanent one. In the Book of Leviticus, God commanded that every grain/meat offering was never lack salt, as part of the offering. Does our speech add flavor to the life of others? Does it preserve relationships or break them down? Does it reflect the permanent covenant that exist between us and God, because of what Jesus did for us, lifting Him up? Does it encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ or does it discourage? Would we be ashamed of our words if Jesus suddenly appeared in the middle of our conversations? The bottom line is that it is better to be silent than to speak words that bring shame to the Name of Jesus. There is so much that can be said about the tongue and the words we speak. However, I will simply ask this question, "Can we, with a clear conscience, offer up the words we speak to others, to the Lord, as speech that is salted and reflects the holy relationship we claim to have with Jesus?"

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 10:13).