Gossip

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29).


The other day at the drug store I overhead a man and woman talking, rather loudly. He had just got off one of those scales that give you a card with information about yourself. He was excitedly reading the card aloud to his wife. I couldn't help but overhear as he read the card, "You are intelligent, have a magnetic personality, strength of character. You are a leader of men, you are intelligent and handsome and attractive to the opposite sex." Then his wife leaned over his shoulder and said, "Humph! It got your weight wrong too!" 

Isn't that just like life, the minute you think that you got it all together someone pops your bubble. The worst for us all is when people speak ill of us and the gossip mill grinds on until the truth of the matter has long been distorted and forgotten. We all love the "dirt" on people, it seems to be our nature. When we profess our Christianity we are put out in the spotlight and our lives are under much scrutiny. The world loves it when Christians fail. It gives them the right to continue in their sins. Ever notice when anyone who wants to speak ill of our faith will quickly point to the Inquistions. Yes, that is a black mark on our history, but does that really represent yours/mine faith? 

Here is the best defense for faith, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1). That verse is so great, we are "dearly love children", and "Christ loved us so much that he gave himself up," notice the wording "he gave." That means He willingly died for us, therefore we are to imitate that love. Here is what Paul writes so as to keep, at least to a minimum for there will always be those who criticize our faith, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place,..." (Ephesians 5:3-4).

We are to set the example of Godly living. Cultural Christians are not well thought of because the world behind those types of Christians are made fun of, use as excuses to not accept Christ as savior. We have the wonderful privilege to represent our Savior and the stakes are high. It is where are our friends and families going to spend eternity? We can make a difference. 

Daily Prayer:


Jesus, thank you for willingly to lay down your life for me. May my life represent you to others. I need your help, your strength, and guidance. I want my life to make a difference to someone.         Amen