Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.… "Toward them that are without," whatever their conduct, appearance, profession, we must "walk in wisdom." They may be within the circle of our acquaintance, and of our own household. While we feel that between us and the fellow Christian who was but yesterday a stranger a bond stronger than death, between us and the object of our warmest human love there is a wall of separation. To such and all "without" — I. DO YOUR DUTY — your daily duty, especially in little things, faithfully. Do what is right for you as a man; and what is right for you as a man is doubly right for you as a Christian. And you are doubly in the wrong if you as a Christian man are not scrupulously honest, if you give way to rudeness, irritability, vulgarity, selfishness. II. Love THEM — not simply their souls. We do not read of God and Christ loving people's souls. God loved the world; Christ tasted death for every man. Be human. There is no opposition between manhood and holiness. The Holy One revealed Himself to sinners as the Son of Man, one of themselves: and this was the secret of His power. III. BE NATURAL — yourselves. Do not have a Christian face and voice taking the place of your own. Speak plainly. Christians are often charged with affectation. Unnaturalness does not come from having too much religion, but from not having enough. What could be more natural than the words and ways of Christ? IV. BE TRUE — not simply do not tell lies, but be transparent. Let men be able to see through you, to perceive that there is no guile, no hidden motives, that while you profess to love God supremely you are not loving something else more than God. V. BE HUMBLE. Christ was meek and lowly of heart"; and what ought we to be? Be humble under a sense of your sinfulness, and under the weight of God's mercies. Do not try to impress others with your superiority, or you will make the contrary impression. VI. BE HOLY. Avoid the least appearance of evil. Let it be seen from your conduct that your religion is not a matter of theory, emotion, talk, but a matter of fact. Remember what Peter says to wives who have unbelieving husbands. A young man was asked, "Under whose preaching were you converted? Under my aunt's practice," was the reply. VII. BE HAPPY. If there is sunshine on your countenances others will believe that the Sun of Righteousness is in your hearts. But if we speak about that Sun and they never see anything but darkness and gloom they will not believe. VIII. BE KIND. Do not simply love them; show it in common or rather uncommon kindness. Treat men as Christ treated you. He never put on airs. Remember how he treated Zacchaeus, the woman of Samaria, etc. (A. Monod, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.WEB: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. |
    |