GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT The one lesson that we teach our kids is watch what you say because some day I may come back to haunt you. This is true to an extent. Really what we need to do is be purging ourselves of what we say and do just because they see it and think that it is ok just because mom and dad do it. When you gossip about something or somebody, they do the same. The Bible speaks out about gossip in Proverbs 11:13 saying, “Gossip betrays a confidence, but the trustworthy keep a secret.” This also goes for talking about someone behind their back when they are not there to defend themselves. A gossip separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28). Without gossip a quarrel dies down (Proverbs 26:20). He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (Proverbs 21:23). Paul was afraid that when he returned to the Christians in Corinth he would find “quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder” (2 Corinthians 12:20). Paul had to deal with similar problems amongst the Christians in Rome. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers... they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:29-32). James 1:26 says that anyone who does not keep a tight reign on his tongue deceives himself and his religion is worthless. It’s worth reading James 3:1-12 on the subject of ‘Taming the Tongue’ which shows how destructive the tongue can be. Verse 9 concludes that “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness… My brothers this should not be.” Jesus said: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). Gods word is therefore very clear in denouncing gossip as un-Christian. We know that whatever is not of faith is sin, and anything that causes division amongst Christians is of the Devil. Christians not only have a duty to refrain from gossip, but also to denounce it. Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind, and it may be that you need to disassociate yourself from these people, but first speak to them about their conduct, and try to help them see the error of their ways. Stand by your Christian principles and pray that something you said will allow Jesus to come into their heart. That small window opening is all Jesus needs to plant a seed. With that being said, maybe its time we start weeding out our own garden. Separating ourselves from all the negativity in the world and start surrounding ourselves with Gods word and other fellow Christian with the same Christian values. Regulate what you watch, see and eat…the next generation is watching and emulating.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:06:37 +0000