Pleasant and Interesting

Pleasant and Interesting

Colossians 4: ⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. ⁶ Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

 

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Smalltalk did not seem natural to me. I was at a gathering where I was the guest. I did not have any conversation starters. Then someone asked me about the “game.” I did not see that sporting event so I was at a loss for words.

 

I felt awkward.

I felt embarrassed.

I did not know what to say and I wanted out of there.

 

Paul expresses the need to be “pleasant and interesting” in terms of conversation, especially toward those who are unbelievers. This was important to “make good use of every opportunity.”

 

My Observations

GOD wants me to treat everyone as special.

Conversations with strangers can be interesting within itself.

I must be ready to answer why I believe in JESUS at all times, even with strangers.

 

Speaking with strangers is not always comfortable. I mean, trying to “be interesting” could lead to awkward interactions versus natural. I may try too hard and come across in a weird way. But adding “pleasant” to my “interest” in the person makes the conversation flow.

 

Genuine interest in the wellbeing of others reduces the awkwardness. If anyone asks about my belief, GOD will give me the right answer. I am glad GOD puts interesting people in my path.

 

Challenge

What opportunity is the writer speaking of?

How do you feel talking to strangers?

Will you become interested in others so you can be ready with the Gospel when given the “opportunity?”

The Answer

The Answer

John 7: ²⁵ Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? ²⁶ But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? ²⁷ However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”

²⁸ Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. ²⁹ But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

³⁰ Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. ³¹ And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

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For once in my life, the answers were easy. I had prepared ahead of time and could recall the information clearly during final exams. When I got my grades for that semester, I was pleased. So, why was I still broke with no way to pay my bills? And why did a relative of mine get sick?

• There are times when I have more questions than answers.
• There are times when I am in situations that seem overwhelming.
• There are times when I want to know exactly what to do but do not have a clear answer.

Some from the crowd commented that the leaders were definitely trying to kill JESUS. The church leaders must have spoken against JESUS behind HIS back. The crowd noticed how boldly JESUS spoke without retaliation. JESUS tells them why. Many believed.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the answer to life.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HE is the only reason for my existence.
• JESUS wants me to believe that I am HIS person and HE is my GOD.

“Who will do more signs than this Man has done?” was the crowds reply. They were seeking the answer to life and realized they found it. But what about the broken cars, relationships, bones and ability to feed myself? JESUS is the answer to all of that as well.

GOD cares about me eternally and HE cares about my present state. HE does care about the things I get concerned about and wants me to have faith that HE is the answer to all of my questions. HE miraculously heals, amazingly provides and unbelievably fixes things I could never imagine. I am glad JESUS is my purpose for HE is “the answer.”

• Are you too scared of your situation to have faith in GOD?
• Is your mind racing trying to figure things out on your own?
• Will you allow GOD to calm you down and use HIS power to guide you through this situation, HIS way today?

Are you willing to listen to GOD's answer?

Mark 1:40A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

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I don't always treat GOD like HE is the supreme being. I sometimes treat HIM like a three year old treats his parents when he wants his way but can't have it. I throw my tantrum, roll around the floor and threaten to do things until HE gives me my way.

Ugly isn't it?

• Many times I have set expectations of GOD that HE should do things exactly as I have them planned out.
• Many times HE had something different in mind.
• Many times I wasn't willing to accept HIS alternative because I thought I knew what was best for me.

In this passage of scripture I see a man with an issue. He is sick and is tired of being sick. I don't know how long he has been in this situation, but he wants comfort. He knew there was nothing inside of himself that could cure him.

He went after the only solution. He asked GOD to intervene in the situation by using a rather unique approach. Instead of throwing a tantrum and getting indignant, HE humbled himself and begged with a humble heart, knowing that the answer could be "No!"

Realize the thinking. The Pharisees were making money from telling people about GOD. They saved the best for themselves and turned away people who desperately needed help. This man had no idea who he was talking to. He just knew this guy healed people.

He humbled himself and was willing to hear "no" but he had to try anyway. His back was against the wall. He may have tried everything, but nothing worked. I can empathize with this man.

I know when I come to GOD the way I'm supposed to, HE takes compassion on me. When I am willing to ask HIM for the thing I want and desire and I am willing to let HIM steer the situation, I get what I want every time.

• I may ask for one job and HE gives me another. I can praise HIM for giving.
• I may ask for money and HE allows more to be taken away. I can praise HIM for making me an example.
• I may ask out of my situation and HE leaves me in a little longer. I can praise HIM for sustaining me.

GOD is quite able to change anything HE wants to. HE can return today and could wipe out all humans, yet HE chooses not to. I believe HE is patiently waiting on the last person who will accept HIS SON. HE is patient with HIS humans and has compassion on those who seek HIM.

So I have tried to come to GOD the way HE wants me to come to HIM. I humbled myself and asked HIM, "LORD if you are willing..." With my statement I realize the answer could be "no", but I also realize that with HIS answer comes compassion.

HE has this overwhelming desire to do the best things for me here on earth and later in heaven. I personally have experienced HIS blessings many times when I am willing to listen.

• How do you approach GOD?
• Can HE say "no" to you without you throwing a tantrum?
• Are you willing to come to HIM in a humble fashion?
• Do you believe HE is the "only" one who can cure you or your situation?
• Why hasn't HE done it?