Gossip

Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."

It seems these days that those who call themselves Christ-followers are as caught up with gossip as the rest of the world. It's not that we gossip ourselves, of course (though what we do in prayer will be the subject of another blog) but that we seem to be obsessed with reading about it or watching it on TV. Somehow, because we are not the purveyor of the gossip and its not about someone we know personally, we think that it is acceptable. This isn't limited to women's magazines and TV shows about the rich and famous either. We see it on Oprah, and every morning show that is out there. We can see it on every reality show and if you look you'll even see it on the news. We have an uncanny way of dressing it up and calling it something else. The news stations call it news we need to know about important people. The question is: why is it news and why do they think I need to know it? Let's not fool ourselves, listening to gossip is every bit as damaging as being the one who spreads it.

Here's what the word of the Lord says: The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. The gossips words are inticing and intreaguing. They are tasty and delicious. But the bigger problem is what happens to these choice morsels. They are digested and go down into our inmost parts. In other words they go deep into our spirit and we carrying them around with us, living on and on. We love to hear that someone who appears so beautiful or accomplished really is not. We take it in and somehow it makes us feel better. But how often has a word of idle gossip slandered that person or proved to be out right lies. And when we heard it did we even question its authenticity?

God's word tells us to set (focus, determine, concentrate) our minds on things above and not on earthly things. Perhaps instead of "digesting" that tasty bit of gossip we should offer it back to God with humility (we could some day find ourselves in their position) and intercede earnestly asking God what He would want us to do.

As fun and unharmful the world may think gossip is as believers may we be all the wiser seeking to reflect the love and character of Christ in all we do.