Filmmakers use various kinds of shots and camera angles to tell a story. Among them are the establishing shot and the close-up. The establishing shot shows where and when the characters are, whereas the close-up steps into who they are. The close-up reveals tension, how they feel and the complexity of their situation they are facing.
In many ways, real ministry happens close-up: dealing with real people, real issues, having real—sometimes inconvenient and hard—conversations.
I think that’s why Paul reminds the Christians at Colossae to be prayerful, alert, and intentionally present:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful … Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col 4:2,6)
Paul sees our ministry doesn’t just happen on a stage or when we are rostered, but in ordinary moments and conversations: in the kitchen, during a drive, between meetings, in staff room.
Every interaction is an opportunity to display and receive the grace of Christ. “Seasoned with salt” has nothing to do with today’s slang for being ‘salty’! It means letting our words bring heavenly taste: grace, healing, and hope to those around us.
God has placed each of us among people who carry unseen and unshared burdens. And sometimes the most Christ-like thing we can do is simply to pause, pray, and embody His grace through our words.
Reflection:
- How might my words be seasoned with grace today?
- Is there one person I can pray for this week?
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
Drawn to the Gospel 
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