Taming The Tongue

Issue 28             [November 28, 2010]

Before I get started, I feel that I MUST clarify I am not singling no one out, I am not trying to implicate ANYONE with this newsletter. I simply feel to discuss this touchy subject .


Gossip - 1.  conversation about personal matters: conversation about the personal details of other people's lives, whether rumor or fact, especially when malicious
2.  casual conversation: informal conversation or writing about recent and often personal events
3.  habitual talker: somebody who habitually discusses the personal details of others' lives
Busybodies -  prying person: somebody who meddles with other people's business
Tattlers - person who tattles: somebody who gossips, reveals secrets, or talks idly


2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
2Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
2Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
2Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

    What is a busybody? What is defined as gossip? If it is true, is it ok to talk about? Is it gossip if we tell it in the form of a prayer request? 

    Some things are ok to discuss with one another but what if they are of a personal and delicate nature? Will it be harmful if spoken openly?

    Do we have to know everything that goes on in the church or the community? When something happens, does everyone come to us to find out the details? Do we poke and pry into peoples goings on and convince our self that we are merely creating a conversation or that maybe we are concerned for them?

    Do we know more about everyone’s life than the person we are talking about? Do we feel that we have to know details about someone’s life so we can maybe tell others so we can make our self feel important? When we act like a busybody and when we are labeled as a busybody or a gossiper then everyone will know what we are and then they will all know that if they want to keep a secret, NEVER to tell us.

    When discussing a family or a member of a family should we discuss intimate details that has happened in their past? It may true and factual, but is it profitable? “well old so-and-so used to be a bad drunk” this may be true but maybe not everyone knows this and if he/she wants everyone to know he used to be a drunk then let THEM tell the story.

     “Old man so-and-so used to run around on his wife”. This may be true but if he goes to church now, and God has forgiven him, why can’t you FORGET? Remember the old saying about burying the hatchet? Don’t leave the handle sticking out so you can reach for it if you need it, bury it completely and leave it buried.

    In general conversation, I had asked a couple if they had heard how Sis Sue was doing? They appeared a little hesitant on answering and I picked up that it was a touchy subject. I immediately told them “NO don’t tell me if its not something I am supposed to hear then I don’t want to know, its none of my business!” The lady made the comment that that was one of the things they liked about me in that I was not nosy and had to know everything. 

     I am not pinning roses on my chest but I truly don’t care to hear of your gossip about someone when it is not important to us helping them or it may be some intimate detail about them. If I can not do something for that person, If it is something that they don’t want to make public, or frankly is none of my business then leave me out of it. If that person wants to tell me, or is in a situation where they need a shoulder to cry on, or if I can support them then that’s one thing.

     I know this may not be very inspirational but hopefully it will be motivational for us NOT to be like that which the Bible specifically say NOT to be.

    The Bible says that if they obey not the word of the epistle then we should note that man and not have any company with them so they may be ashamed. Note that man meaning mark that person as a gossiper and that everyone around will know what they are.
    I remember as a child, reading the cartoon “Snuffy Smith” and how the old ladies would gather on the fence post to  discuss what the latest was with everyone around. Oh, have you heard what happened to so-and-so?

    We are mature adults and should conduct ourselves in such a manner and especially if we are Christians. We have a standard to uphold and a duty to perform. If we are to achieve a Christ like mindset then we have to be Christ like. A wise man hears more than he tells and a truly wise man never lets on to such knowledge even if he has accidentally overheard something.

     In a final note; Please do not get upset because I write this. If you are not guilty of a crime then anger should not be in your heart. If you are guilty of gossip then take it up with God and your conscience.

    I also want to go on record as saying the Pastor is NOT, I repeat NOT a busybody. I know the definition says a prying person meddling with other peoples business. If you have a bad attitude toward your pastor right now this might be what you are thinking but he is not. 

    I don’t know why I need to clarify this but God knows. If you are living by the book and “want” to be saved you will actually invite the Pastor into your life and for him to see if there is anything in your life that shouldn’t be. God help me I don’t know where this is coming from but I will say this also, If you want to be saved, then when the pastor uses the word of God coming across the pulpit and steps on your toes, Don’t get mad at him. His job is to preach it, your job is to live it. If you don’t want to live it, then what are you doing in an Apostolic Church?
  
     Many times we allow our flesh to rise up and dictate to us what Satan has placed on our head. Sin has a foundation to build upon and it is self. With all manner of sin, you can strip away the flash and trash. When you get down to the bare floor of it all, it has SELF as its foundation. Every sin can be traced back to selfishness.
 
     If there is a question, go ask that person, don't just speculate. When we put away the TV's, we should have put away the soap operas also.

    
  

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Scripture For Our Basket:

 2 Thesselonians 3:11-14 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
     1Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
     Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
     Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
     Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
     Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle
     Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
     Proverbs 21:23 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Pradis CD-ROM. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1994. 



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Editors Comments:


     Another issue of BEACON In The Night that God has granted me the ability to write. I hope that I have provoked you (only) to a more pure integrity and not to wrath. We have our ups and downs, but for the most part, if we truly have a desire to be saved, then when the smoke clears, we will be found still on the battlefield.

     There are those who are in a storm right now and if you've never been in one, just wait! Your storm is on the way. Your brother or sister may be going thru the very flames of Hell, so please don't be too critical of them and talk their business all over town. Help them, lend them a hand and most certainly PRAY for them! Pray that God will give them what they need to survive the battle and overcome. 

     I heard a man make the statement one time, "The Christian Army is the only ones who murders its wounded." What is it that makes us so critical of one another, always wanting to lash out. I thought to be a Christian, we had to be CHRIST - LIKE ? ? ?