MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY!
Colossians 4:5-6

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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.

The Greek term “tous exo” is typically translated as “outsiders.” (See also 1 Corinthians 5:12 and 1 Thessalonians 4:12.) The phrase literally means “the ones out.” Good English would render it as “outsider,” or “those outside.”

It is not the Greek I wish to emphasize, but the English. The connotation of the two legit English translations can influence how we regard our fellowship and our mission ...

“Outsiders” – We think of a bounded set. We focus on boundaries. Outsiders are not permitted to enter without permission or pass. We post signs to keep trespassers out. We control access because we are focused on the fence and the gate. We pay attention to who is not “with us.” The Lord knows who are his – he manages the gate and the fence (2 Timothy 2:19).

“Those Outside” – We think of a centered set. What defines us is the core. We gather around a source of life (such as a well). Those on the outside are simply those who need to come in. Outsider is not a label but simply a description of location. Leslie Newbigin describes the church in India as wherever the crowd gathers around. There are always outsiders looking in. There should always be people on the edge moving in toward the center.

How do we move people from being those outside to those inside?

1. They need to be aware of the center.
2. We need to be creative and wise (Colossians 4).
3. Pay attention to what is going on at the core and around it.

First Impressions –

• “Still one issue of first impression stands clearly above others in importance.” – Thom S. Rainer, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, p. 95
• “The formerly unchurched told us that one of the key reasons for their returning to a particular church [after a single visit] was the friendliness of the members.
•   88% - FRIENDLINESS was an important first impression.  
  • Sometimes we are friendly, but only with those we already know.
  • There is a relationship between the friendliness of a church and its fear of change. Churches that are more fearful of change are less friendly.
• We need the gifted people to use their gifts of friendliness and hospitality to lead us.
• ALL OF US need to be friendly
  1. Be creative
  2. Be friendly
  3. Be kind

Mother’s Day Opportunity – We have made cards that we want you to use as you look for opportunities to be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.

• Share a simple act of kindness with women who are not in your family
• Mow a lawn
• Take them a box of cookies
• Tip the waitress
• Leave flowers for the nurses, attendants who care for your mother

Do not worry about results – just make the most of opportunities.

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.

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Morning Sermon, 2 May 2010

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