Verse of the Week: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Truth of the Week: I am not a fan of “chit-chat.” Perhaps this is because I am so unskilled at it, or perhaps it is because in light of the brief time we have to live on this earth it seems so meaningless. Regardless of my reasons, I would wager that God is not a fan of the idle conversations that seem to dominate our dialogue either. Sure, talking about the weather, or the latest fashion trends, or what sports our kids are playing can be a bridge to connect with others and provide the foundation for deeper discourse, but if our conversations never delve beneath the surface, then our words run the great risk of being empty and insignificant.
If we are being conformed into the image of our Savior, then the words that we speak should reflect this. When we look at the account of the life of Jesus in the gospels, we never once hear him saying to the disciples, “How ’bout them chariot races?” His words, to both strangers and friends, were full of grace and seasoned with salt. His words were a source of life and nourishment.
Not every dialogue we engage in will be a weighty discourse on the gospel, but shouldn’t our desire be that our words carry with them at least a hint of God’s glory and a taste of His grace? After all, this is what each person that God places in our path is starving for – whether they know it or not. Shouldn’t we pray for God to train our minds and tame our tongues so that when we engage in conversations with those around us we leave them with the flavor of Christ?
May God rescue us from our propensity to settle for being safe and superficial. May He give us the lips of the righteous, which nourish many.
Quote of the Week: “It is not the fashion to tell your inmost thoughts, but there are many wrong fashions, and concealment of the best in us is wrong. I disapprove of the usual practice of talking “small talk” whenever we meet, and holding a veil over our souls. If we are so impoverished that we have nothing to reveal but small talk, then we need to struggle for more richness of soul.” (Frank Laubach, Practicing His Presence)
Wow you are on it!! It is so true to be authentic. It enriches all our lives. You are a precious friend and you enrich my life!! Hello Sylvia and Candace! Dana.