Living Before Outsiders: Walking in Wisdom

When Paul calls us to “walk in wisdom,” he isn’t merely advocating for prudent behaviour but is specifically referencing our relationship with Christ. Throughout Colossians, he establishes Jesus as the embodiment of divine wisdom. In 1:15–17, he proclaims that Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

This theme continues in 2:3, where he declares that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The wisdom Paul calls believers to walk in isn’t human ingenuity but the living wisdom found in relationship with Jesus. James reminds us that God makes this wisdom available to all his children who ask for it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Paul’s exhortation stands in stark contrast to the worldly wisdom he exposed earlier in his letter. Colossae was saturated with various forms of human wisdom that threatened to dilute the gospel. The apostle warned against philosophy and empty deceit (2:8), legalistic religious practices (2:16–17), mystical experiences and angel worship (2:18), and asceticism and harsh bodily discipline (2:20–23). These expressions of worldly wisdom appeared spiritual but were ultimately powerless substitutes for Christ. Paul describes them as having “indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23).

Walking in Christ’s wisdom means depending on Christ rather than human traditions, making decisions based on his values rather than worldly standards, and approaching life from his perspective rather than our cultural biases.

Paul’s use of the term “outsiders” highlights a fundamental contrast in identities. The “insiders” are those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, becoming part of his church. They have a credible testimony of salvation, have submitted to believer’s baptism, and live in fellowship within the community of Christ. Essentially, they are “in Christ.”

By contrast, “outsiders” are those who remain outside of Christ, who do not share the identity or values of Christ. This creates a clear distinction: The outsider walks in alignment with the values and priorities of the world; the Christian walks in alignment with their new life in Christ. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (2:6–7).

The Christian walk flows from how we understand and think about Christ. Paul exhorts believers in Philippians 2:5 to “have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” He then describes Christ’s humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross. This mindset contrasts sharply with worldly thinking.

Paul consistently emphasises this distinctive way of walking. He told the Ephesians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (4:1), to “walk in love, as Christ loved us” (5:2), and to “walk as children of light” (5:8). In short, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” (5:15). He used similar language in writing to the Romans, exhorting them to “walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (8:4) and to “walk properly as in the daytime” (Romans 13:13).

This contrast between insiders and outsiders clarifies the Christian’s mission. Every circumstance, relationship, opportunity, and responsibility in a believer’s life is foreordained by God to display Christ and advance the gospel. Even our suffering serves to demonstrate to outsiders what it means to be an insider.

Peter affirms this purpose: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honourable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, urging believers to “aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands … so that you may walk properly before outsiders.”

This Christ-centred witness doesn’t rely on religious rules or activities but on a transformed life. It’s demonstrated in loving relationships, respect for authority, and integrity in business dealings (Colossians 3:20–4:1). And as Peter reminds us, we should “always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15–16).

Walking in wisdom toward outsiders means living in such a way that our lives testify to the reality and sufficiency of Christ. When life’s pressures squeeze us, what flows out should be sweet and pure—glorifying to God—rather than putrid and arrogant. In this way, our walk becomes a powerful witness to those outside of Christ, inviting them to discover the wisdom found only in him.