Life is fragile. James 4:14 reminds us that our life is but “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” In our youth, we take time for granted. But none of us will live forever.
When each of us approaches our final days on earth, we cannot help but think about the legacy we leave behind. The impact our life has had on the world. The difference we made. As followers of Jesus, we are each here for a purpose. Disciples here to make disciples. It is the calling of every Christian to have an impact on this world.
But the question is: how? What can a believer practice regularly that will impact the lives of those around them? How does someone leave a legacy that lasts?
In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul breaks it down in a passage that ESV translators titled “Further Instructions.”
Three steps. Pray. Speak. Walk.
Pray: Constantly. Watchfully. Thankfully.
Right out of the gate, Paul gives the first step. If you want to leave a legacy that lasts, pray.
Pray constantly. “Continue steadfastly in prayer.” The Greek word for steadfastly here is sometimes translated “devoted.” We are to devote ourselves to prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” Luke 18:1 records that Jesus told a parable “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Romans 12:12 urges us to “be constant in prayer.”
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you.”
If you want to leave a legacy that lasts, intercede for others constantly. Ask the people in your life, “How can I pray for you?” And then do it.
Pray watchfully. Do not just pray constantly, but watchfully. Alert. Awake.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
If we are doing the Lord’s work, we will find ourselves on the front lines of a spiritual battle. We need to be vigilant. The adversary wants to keep us from leaving a legacy that lasts. Pray that God will make you alert, grant you wisdom, and help you discern.
Remember Ephesians 6:12: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” Your enemy is not your neighbor. Your enemy is a spiritual adversary who wants to prevent you from being an influence on others.
2 Timothy 2:4 says, “No good soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” Do not get so caught up in things that do not matter. Be watchful of enemy tactics aimed at distracting you.
Pray thankfully. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Who does not love gratitude? God is constantly working. But sometimes we are far too busy to recognize it. Appreciate him and what he is doing in you, through you, and all around you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 sandwiches “pray without ceasing” between two instructions about gratitude: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
If you want to leave a legacy that lasts, prayers must be filled with thanksgiving. Always ready to recognize the Lord’s goodness.
Discussion
- What does it look like to pray “watchfully”? How would your prayer life change if you treated it like a soldier on watch?
- Who in your life needs you to ask, “How can I pray for you?”
Key Takeaways
- Devoted prayer is constant prayer. Not just crisis prayer. Not just mealtime prayer. Ongoing, unceasing conversation with God.
- Watchful prayer is spiritual warfare. The enemy wants to distract and devour. Prayer keeps us alert and armored.
- Thankful prayer is worship. Recognizing what God is doing, even in the middle of difficulty, keeps the heart right.
Speak: Graciously. Clearly. Persuasively.
If you want to leave a lasting legacy, speak. But speak how?
Speak graciously. “Let your speech always be gracious.” The Greek word here is charis. It implies sweetness, charm, kindness, affection, favor.
Not sometimes gracious. Always. If you want to leave a legacy that lasts, words must be kind, sweet, loving, winsome. Not just sometimes, but always.
Think about it. Who likes a critic? Who wants to be around a nagging nitpicker? If you want to lead others to Jesus, they first need to see him in you.
Luke 4:22 records that in the synagogue, “all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.” When Jesus spoke, he did so graciously. And it had an impact.
Paul opened every letter with “grace to you, and peace.” Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, Philemon. He did not want anyone to miss the message. The Lord is full of grace. In fact, the last verse of the Bible says: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21).
Speak clearly. Paul asks the Colossians to pray “that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” God wants his word shared clearly. Do not hide it under a bushel. Be gracious always, but also share God’s word and make it clear.
Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Speak persuasively. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
While light is a metaphor for clarity and glory, salt is a metaphor for every believer’s influence on the world. Jesus used them both.
“You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others.”
“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Discussion
- Think about someone whose words left a lasting impact on you. What made their speech effective?
- What is the difference between being clear and being blunt? How does grace change the way truth lands?
Key Takeaways
- Charis: gracious speech is Christlike speech. Jesus was known for gracious words. Paul opened every letter with grace. Our speech should carry the same fragrance.
- Clarity serves the gospel. Faith comes from hearing. If the word is not shared clearly, it cannot do its work.
- Salt makes people thirsty. Persuasive speech is not manipulative. It is flavorful, life-giving, and inviting.
Walk: Wisely. Hospitably. Timely.
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”
If you want to leave a lasting legacy, put legs to your prayers and feet to your words. Walk.
Walk wisely. Paul explains in Colossians 1:10-11: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work.” Ephesians 4:1-3 urges us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness.”
This is wisdom. To walk wisely is to walk in a manner that is worthy. Worthy of the Lord. Worthy of the calling. Others are taking inventory of how a disciple behaves.
Walk hospitably. Notice who Paul says to walk wisely toward: outsiders. People who do not live like you, think like you, talk like you, walk like you. How are you walking toward them?
Romans 12:13-16 says, “Seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.”
1 Timothy 3:7 says a leader in the church “must be well thought of by outsiders.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 instructs, “Walk properly before outsiders.” 1 Peter 2:12 urges, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.”
If you want to leave a lasting legacy, your reputation among outsiders in the broader community really matters. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders.
Walk in a timely manner. “Making the best use of the time.” Look for those opportune moments where God is calling you to act. Your timing can leave a lasting impression.
Put down the phone. Get off the couch. Get into the community. Engage with others. Wherever God has planted you, show them the love of Jesus. Be there in the moment someone needs a friend.
Discussion
- How do outsiders perceive you? What would they say about the way you treat people different from you?
- What does “making the best use of the time” look like in your week? Where are you missing opportunities?
Key Takeaways
- Walk worthy. Wisdom is not just knowing the right thing. It is doing the right thing in the right way, consistently.
- Outsiders are watching. How believers treat people outside the faith shapes how those people feel about the gospel.
- Timing matters. Making the best use of the time means being present, available, and ready when God opens a door.
Something to Sit With
Three steps. Simple to remember. Hard to practice.
Pray: constantly, watchfully, thankfully. Speak: graciously, clearly, persuasively. Walk: wisely, hospitably, in the right moment.
Life is a vapor. But a legacy built on prayer, gracious words, and a wise walk can outlast a lifetime.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Colossians 4:2-6 teach about Christian living?
Colossians 4:2-6 gives three practical instructions for believers who want to leave a lasting impact. Pray with constancy, watchfulness, and gratitude. Speak with grace, clarity, and persuasion. Walk with wisdom, hospitality, and good timing, especially toward those outside the faith.
What does “seasoned with salt” mean in Colossians 4:6?
Salt preserves and adds flavor. When Paul says speech should be “seasoned with salt,” he means words should be life-giving, persuasive, and useful. Not bland or empty. Not harsh or abrasive. Flavorful in a way that draws people toward truth and makes them want more.
How can I walk wisely toward outsiders?
Walking wisely toward outsiders means being hospitable, respectful, and honorable in conduct. It means your reputation matters, especially among people who do not share your faith. Paul urges believers to “walk properly before outsiders” and to be “well thought of” by those outside the church.
What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
Praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) does not mean every moment is spent in formal prayer. It means maintaining an ongoing awareness of God’s presence and a readiness to bring everything to him. Constant conversation. Open lines. A heart that defaults to prayer instead of worry.
How do I leave a lasting Christian legacy?
According to Colossians 4, a lasting legacy is built on three habits: devoted prayer (including intercession for others), gracious and clear communication of God’s word, and a consistent walk that reflects wisdom and love, especially toward those who do not yet know Christ.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway.