Seasoned with Salt
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Field Notes
Seasoned with Salt
by Michael E. Brooks
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you ought to
answer each one" (Colossians 4:6).
Languages are difficult and frustrating to me. I
don't learn other languages easily, and since I
travel and work in a number of different
countries, I find that I am often where I don't
speak the language. I am dependant upon
translators, "non-verbal communication," the other
person's limited knowledge of English, or the few
words or phrases I may have picked up.
Communication is difficult at best. I have often
wished for the Apostles' gift of speaking in
tongues (Acts 2:1-13), but must struggle as best I
can.
More important, however, than knowing how to speak
the language of another country is the ability to
speak with grace. Part of the skill of "walk(ing)
in wisdom toward those who are outside"
(Colossians 4:5), learning to speak with grace is
specifically enjoined to Christians that we might
properly represent Christ and his Gospel to an
unbelieving world. It is not so much knowing what
to say as it is having the ability to say it so
that it will be received well.
Grace is often defined as "unmerited favor,"
meaning God's treatment of sinful mankind, not
with what we deserve, but with what we need. There
is another way the word is used, however. That is
as a quality or characteristic of loveliness and
charm. We describe a good hostess as "gracious" or
say of someone, "She has a graceful walk." It is
in this latter sense that Paul calls for graceful
speech. Our words, and our manner while speaking
them, should have a loveliness about them. They
should attract others positively, and lead to a
welcome reception.
So often we do just the opposite when we speak. We
say things harshly, angrily, and thoughtlessly. We
threaten, warn, and antagonize. Others are
repelled, not attracted, by what they hear from
our lips. When we speak unkindly, it scarcely
matters whether what we say is true. Even if it
is, it will still cause others to turn away from
us rather than draw them nearer. How much better
to speak kindly, considerately, with beauty in
both tone and content of our message.
Along with grace, our speech is to be "seasoned
with salt." This is an interesting phrase in this
connection. Though there are a number of ways it
might be understood, I believe one implication is
that there should be substance to our speech. In
Ephesians 5:4 Paul forbids the use of "foolish
talking" and "coarse jesting" as "not fitting" for
Christians. We are to take life seriously and to
be concerned with those things that are of eternal
significance. As we speak with non-believers, our
spirituality should be manifest. God should be
glorified and his Kingdom exalted. Salt is a
preserver and a seasoning. Its presence in food
makes the food taste better, provides certain
necessary nutrition, and helps preserve the food
against contamination. Our speech should have that
within it that provides protection from
corruption, gives flavor to life, and meets the
needs of the spirit.
Foreign language is a challenge. However if I can
speak of God's love in Christ Jesus, and if I can
encourage faithful obedience to his will, I can
communicate the eternal message of salvation.
Nothing is more important than that.
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