信徒的教会生活
歌罗西书四章2至6节
2你们要恒切祷告,在此儆醒感恩。
3也要为我们祷告,求神给我们开传道的门,能以讲基督的奥秘(我为此被捆锁),
4叫我按着所该说的话将这奥秘发明出来。
5你们要爱惜光阴,用智慧与外人交往。
6你们的言语要常常带着和气,好像用盐调和,就可知道该怎样回答各人。
信息分享
保罗的书信,没有一封是没有提到祷告的。由此可见,他极其重视祷告,而每个基督徒都应该以他为榜样。我们若要每天与主同行,就不能不祷告;唯有借着祷告,我们才能亲近祂,和明白祂的心意。有些时候,我们会感到祷告不蒙应允,我们的祈求似乎不能上达于天,因而感到灰心。然而,正是在这个时候,我们更要坚持祷告,不可放弃。
对于祷告,保罗还教导我们要「保持儆醒,时常感恩,为别人代祷,以及确切祈求。」
好了,行事要有智慧又是甚么意思呢?保罗的意思是要指出,我们必须留意自己在信徒面前的言行举止,否则我们的轻率无礼,很可能会成为他们信主的绊脚石。我们每天都需要主赐下智慧,来帮助我们有美好的品行。不要忘记,我们是世人眼中的「圣经」,他们在主动看圣经之前,总是先观察我们的行为来评价我们的信仰。
爱惜光阴相当于「抓紧时机」。不要忘记,我们要得着任何东西都要付上代价。当机会出现,可能是我们最不方便的时候;我们便要衡量轻重,作出取舍。我们可能要为了服侍主而付上代价,我们很容易会推说:「我近来很忙,不能为主作工」;然而,到我们有时间的时候,机会却消失了。
我们的说话谈吐,同样要见证基督。如果我们说话严苛、尖酸刻薄、喜欢挑剔批评,又怎能见证基督呢?虽然在某些时刻,我们可能要用坚定的语气说话,但这并不表示要充满怒气。基督要我们持守的准则,就是「在爱中说诚实话」。
我们的言行举止,是否符合以上的标准呢?
STANDARDS FOR CHURCH MEMBERS
Colossians 4:2-6
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
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.
Message
Paul never wrote a letter without speaking about prayer. It was very important to him and it ought to be just as important in the life of every Christian. To maintain our daily walk with Christ we need that time of prayer. These moments spent with him somehow keep us in touch with him and what he wants us to do. Praying is not always easy. Sometimes our prayers seem unanswered and our words don't seem to be reaching heaven. But that is the time to continue, rather than stop praying.
Paul adds several words concerning prayer in these verses. He says 'Be alert or wide awake. Be thankful. Pray for others. Ask for definite requests.'
Now, what does walking in wisdom mean? Paul is saying we need to be careful how we act and how we react in front of non-Christians. It is so easy for us to do the wrong thing and perhaps put a stumbling block in front of unsaved friends. We need the Lord's wisdom day by day to behave as we should. Remember we are the 'world's Bible'. They don't read God's Word but they do watch us. ,
Redeeming the time is another way of saying 'Buy up every opportunity'. But remember buying includes payment. Often an opportunity comes when it is really inconvenient. Part of the cost of serving Christ may be found here. It is so easy to, say 'I haven't the time right now'. When we do have the time the opportunity may be gone for ever.
Our speaking too should reflect Christ. If our language is harsh or bitter or critical it will not speak of Christ. Sometimes we will have to speak firmly, but that does not mean with anger. Speaking the truth in love is the standard Christ wants us to follow.
How do we match up to this checklist for church members?

