In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul reminded his new converts in Thessalonica that the messenger is just as important as the message.  We must not only be conscious of what we say and how we say it, but we must live it out authentically before our neighbors, friends, and co-workers.  Only by making sure we practice what we preach can we be the empowered effective witness Jesus desires for his followers (Acts 1:8).

But what does it mean to really ‘live it out.’  The Holy Spirit does not just come upon us to give us the power to be a witness.  He also comes upon us to give us the power to be more like Christ.  And those Christ-like characteristics are listed for us by Paul in the fifth chapter of his letter to the Galatians.   Starting in verse 13, Paul explains what it means to live our life by the Spirit of God.  He contrasts the Spirit-led life with the sinful nature.  The sinful nature always desires that which is contrary to the Spirit of God; it seeks to devour and destroy.  Its works are listed in verse 17 – sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry witchcraft, hatred discord jealousy fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and the like – and this sinful nature’s end is clear: “…those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19)

But then Paul lists those characteristics that make us more like Christ.  He calls them the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ and they contain life-traits that every Christian will want to emulate: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)  The Christian puts to death the sinful nature every day and through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, takes on the Fruit of the Spirit in their life.  We become more like Christ every day we model this Fruit in our life.  This is how we live out with deep conviction the message we share.  When others see our lives being authentically lived out in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the rest of the fruit, they will realize that living for God makes a difference.

But being an empowered, authentic messenger is not enough if we don’t correctly deliver the message.  Paul instructed us more on the delivery of the message.  In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul pointed out some fundamental facts about sharing our message.

First, be wise in how you act before those who are not Christians.  Use wisdom in what you say.  They may not necessarily understand your religious jargon or doctrinal creeds.  They won’t be conversant in King James speech.

We should make the best of every opportunity, and that requires praying in advance and preparing what we should say.  We must recognize that the Holy Spirit is the one who is giving you the chance to speak into this person’s life, at that very moment.  Don’t wait until the moment comes to decide what you will say; take time now to think out (or write out) what you would say if you were asked about your Christian faith.  Hopefully, one day, someone should notice.  And if they do, what will you say?

Paul encourages us the let our conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answers everyone who asks.  Paul is saying that our words should be gracious, not condemning.  We should be speaking words that are pleasant and winsome, kind and yet engaging in truth.  We speak from our hearts in love, concern, and care for a lost soul facing eternal judgment.

Think forward for a moment.  Imagine the day you will stand with the redeemed and watch as all those who rejected or failed to accept Christ are marched in front of the Great White Throne Judgment.  When their name is not found in the Lambs Book of Life and God pronounces their eternal destination of torment, what will you say, when they turn and catch your eye with the words: “Why didn’t you tell me?”  That thought should motivate us to share a message seasoned with salt – truthful and flavored words appropriate for the occasion, but purposed to preserve their souls.  Authentic Christians are flavored with the fruit of the Spirit.

Just something to think about as you walk down the rabbit trail.