"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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