13 Walking in Wisdom

In the final verses of chapter three, Paul addressed what should be the relationship between the master and slave. Even though slavery is no longer practiced in much of the world, his instructions are certainly applicable for the relationships between employer and employee.

1 Living for Christ in the Workplace

Colossians 3:22-25

Unfortunately, slavery was the norm during Paul’s day, as it’s been estimated that more than half of those in the Roman Empire were in fact slaves. While the Bible doesn’t condone slavery, since it was prevalent at the time, Scripture was addressing the various aspects of the culture of the day.

Therefore, Paul commands slaves (today’s employees) to be obedient to those over them.

The submission isn’t because the employer is “better” but is because of the position (rank) which they hold.

In verse 22, Paul discusses how one’s obedience shouldn’t be done with “eyeservice” such as when one’s boss is present. The Christian worker, should have the same level of performance, whether their boss is present or not.

Paul states the reason, in verses 23 and 24, as he shows that the believer is to be working for the Lord, and not men.

The idea of everything being done for, and unto the Lord, makes the passage a companion to Colossians 3:17.

The believer should work “heartily” showing great desire, and not under compulsion.

Additionally, the believer shouldn’t be motivated by earthly compensation, since our rewards will be heavenly, coming from the Lord.

Contrary to the receiving of rewards, in verse 25, Paul states that those who do their jobs poorly, shouldn’t expect to receive special treatment because of their faith.

Chapter 4 opens with additional one further workplace-related instruction, this time for the employer:

2 Fair and Just Treatment

Those in positions of responsibility, are to treat those under them responsibly.

The word translated as “give” in verse 1, can also be understood as “provide” and means to “give dilate care” to someone – in this instance to one’s employees.

They are to treat them justly, the Greek word is <dikaoin> and fairly < isotēta> which means equitably.

3 Prioritizing prayer

In verses 2-4, Paul spoke of the importance of prayer, and how believers must continue earnestly in it.

Pau understood that a believer must have a lifestyle of prayer, rather than simply engaging in “times of prayer”. Which speaks to how he wrote in one of his letters to the young pastor Timothy, that “men (should) prayer everywhere…”

While it’s literally impossible for anyone to go through their daily activities while displaying outward prayer. However, each of us may develop a lifestyle of prayer, as we will pray throughout the day, in all circumstances.

Paul was showing the need for persistence in prayer. The word we see translated as “continuing” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “to be built on a root”, which shows great strength. Therefore, our prayer lives should be steadfast, and having strong roots.

The believer should desire to be in continuous contact with our Lord, communicating with Him often throughout the day.

The word vigilant, literally means “to be wakeful”. Therefore, we should be alert and awake during our times of prayer, since the purpose should be for us to come into alignment with the Lord.

Another vital component of prayer is “thanksgiving” as we should have a grateful heart. We are of course to be thankful for all the Lord has done in our life. But the attitude of thanksgiving should extend to Who He is, and that we even have open and constant access to Him,

Next, Paul addressed the importance of intercessory prayer, by requesting the church prayer for him. At the time, he was incarcerated in a Roman prison, But rather than asking prayer for his deliverance, Paul prayed for an open door for him to advance the Gospel.

Paul’s constant desire therefore, was to represent Jesus, and to be a witness to whomever he encountered, whether imprisoned or free.

4 Walking in Wisdom

Paul then addressed the need for a believer to walk wisely each day:

Colossians 4:5-6

Paul had just shown the importance of prayer in a believer’s life. Now he would show how we must use wisdom in our encounters with everyone, but especially with unbelievers.

While we should use wisdom with everyone, it is especially important to do so when dealing with unbelievers:

Colossians 4:5a

When Paul refers to those “outside” – he’s speaking of those outside the body of Christ (unbelievers).

By using wisdom when dealing with unbelievers, it shows how we aren’t to rely upon our own wisdom, but God’s wisdom, as found in His Word.

This idea stands out even more, since Paul who was in a Roman prison, was asking for the Colossians to pray for him, that he might have an open door to present the gospel to those with whom he interacted, primarily unbelieving Roman guards.

Believers are therefore to be “salt and light” as we’re instructed by Jesus in the passage frequently referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5.

Walking in wisdom, also includes “redeeming the time” as Paul then directs. As most adults will attest, time passes very quickly, and believers should make the most of their time, in living for the Lord.

The idea of “redeeming” time, shows that we’ve to look upon time as something of extreme value, as each of us has only a fixed amount of unknowable time allotted to us.

The believer should have the understanding, that it is only what we do for Christ, that will have any true lasting value.

In verse 6, Paul then gives the exhortation, that the believer’s speech is to be “gracious” and “seasoned with salt”.

Grace may be best-defined as unmerited favor, meaning we’re to speak well of others, even when they are undeserving.

That doesn’t mean we should condone the sinful actions of unbelievers, nor does it mean we aren’t to always take a biblical stance on issues.

While we should be unaccepting of any sin, we should never be condemning of the sinner, but rather to follow the examples which Jesus established as He dealt with those in sin.

Next, Paul shows how our speech is to be “seasoned with salt”.

In biblical times, salt had several uses, among them:

• It was used as seasoning to enhance the flavor of foods. In the same way, our speech should be enhancing to all those we interact with.
• During Paul’s day, salt was also used a preservative for meats. Our speech should be a preservative to our environment.

When the believer follows the guidelines, we will then know how we’re to speak to one another.