If we were to consider how the grace of God finds its most powerful expression in the lives of the redeemed, what would come into your mind first? We might be tempted to think of something spectacular, perhaps on the order of an Old or New Testament miracle. I think of Daniel’s three friends whose vibrant faith in the Lord protected them, even in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. Or you may be reflecting upon the Spirit-empowered courage of Peter and the other Apostles who courageously preached the Gospel in the city of Jerusalem, though they had been arrested for it, beaten, and warned never to do it again.

In Colossians 4:5-6 Paul addresses this very issue. But the way he speaks of the evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives is very much pedestrian, to say it nicely! According to the imprisoned Apostle, the transforming power of the Gospel is made beautifully evident by our daily ‘walking and talking.’ Now, to be sure, this is not the stuff movies are made of. And no one would ever be moved to write a book about it! But here it is, in black letters–the proof that we have been radically changed by Christ. Note what he says here:

“walk in wisdom” (v. 5)

“Let your speech always be gracious” (v. 6)

Actually, the spectacular things, while much more impressive, are easier to pull off! What’s really hard, and takes nothing less than the resurrection power of the Spirit, is a daily, consistent, and faithful “walk” under the reign of Christ that evidences itself even in our “speech”! And ‘walking and talking’ this way in full view of “outsiders,” or the unsaved, and often in hostile environments!

This coming Sunday we will open the inspired Word of God and learn about ‘walking and talking,’ and how, even in these mundane things, the world-changing power of the message of salvation is made known.