"Inquiring minds want to know!"At least that's the slogan it seems we have been taught to believe.
The scriptures teach that in the last days people will believe a lie rather than believe the truth. Seems we are there. We have entire news shows (and I use the term loosely) that are dedicated to nothing but gossip, rumors and innuendo. Folks want to hear the "juicy stuff" on anyone.
Unfortunately, sometimes the same problem is found inside the church. Some people seem to enjoy hearing about another's misfortune and misery, and then seek to spread the event. With embellishments and misinformation.
Please, the next time someone starts telling you about a rumor or about the latest gossip, consider whether you would like to be the one being talked about in that manner, and then find a way to gently cut the topic off. (By the way, experience tells me that if folks gossip with you, they'll gossip about you!)
Recently I learned of a rumor in a small town that one of the local churches is closing its doors. Apparently the story has spread quickly among "Christian" folks about the predicament the church is in. Now believers are running with the sad news of their demise. Trouble is....the church is not closing up! They had recently dismissed evening services on Christmas and New Years, (just as many other churches did), and can only surmise that was the basis for the rumor. But as Mark Twain was quoted as saying, "I think the rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated."
Scripture says to let no vain communication come out of your mouth. May I add to that thought..."or enter your ear!" My granddaddy used to say, "Son, believe only half what you see and none of what you're told."
Why is it Christians seem to spread sad tidings so much faster than good news? Shouldn't we spend more time and effort on sharing God's love and grace? Christ should be talked about a lot more than anyone else.
The scriptures teach that in the last days people will believe a lie rather than believe the truth. Seems we are there. We have entire news shows (and I use the term loosely) that are dedicated to nothing but gossip, rumors and innuendo. Folks want to hear the "juicy stuff" on anyone.
Unfortunately, sometimes the same problem is found inside the church. Some people seem to enjoy hearing about another's misfortune and misery, and then seek to spread the event. With embellishments and misinformation.
Please, the next time someone starts telling you about a rumor or about the latest gossip, consider whether you would like to be the one being talked about in that manner, and then find a way to gently cut the topic off. (By the way, experience tells me that if folks gossip with you, they'll gossip about you!)
Recently I learned of a rumor in a small town that one of the local churches is closing its doors. Apparently the story has spread quickly among "Christian" folks about the predicament the church is in. Now believers are running with the sad news of their demise. Trouble is....the church is not closing up! They had recently dismissed evening services on Christmas and New Years, (just as many other churches did), and can only surmise that was the basis for the rumor. But as Mark Twain was quoted as saying, "I think the rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated."
Scripture says to let no vain communication come out of your mouth. May I add to that thought..."or enter your ear!" My granddaddy used to say, "Son, believe only half what you see and none of what you're told."
Why is it Christians seem to spread sad tidings so much faster than good news? Shouldn't we spend more time and effort on sharing God's love and grace? Christ should be talked about a lot more than anyone else.
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