Graceful Conversation

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6 ESV).

 

Crazy Ray, whose real name was Wilford Jones, was the unofficial mascot of the Dallas Cowboys until his death in 2007. By some accounts, he was also the team's original mascot, who attended almost every home game since the team's inception. He started selling pennants at games in 1962 and quickly endeared himself to the Cowboys fans with his western outfits, magic tricks, trademark whistle, and galloping along with a hobby horse. Crazy Ray also had a special friendship with rival Zema Williams (“Chief Zee), the Washington Redskins' unofficial mascot. In some photographs, Crazy Ray and Chief Zee were seen pretending to fight with each other during games. He missed only three games in 46 seasons.

 

Rivalries often find a way to insert themselves into our conversations. This week will be even more so with the national election coming to a close. Since I have voted in every election since Richard M. Nixon, I can say that I haven’t seen a more polarized electorate than we have today. There is nothing wrong with strong convictions and values. There is everything wrong with not being graceful in our conversations.

 

God’s grace in Jesus Christ ought to change everything about us. With sins forgiven and the Holy Spirit at work in us, God transforms and renews us day by day. His grace changes our lives. In fact, as God works in us continually, we show and tell the good news of full life in Christ in ways that we may not be aware of. So the Apostle Paul told Christians, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (vv. 5-6).

 

The temptation is greater now than I can remember to attack the person instead of discussing the issues. Don’t let yourself slip into that kind of trap. Regardless of the winners and losers, our world needs the grace of God now more than ever! Be the kind of believer who models that grace in all that you do and say!