Did you hear about what Susan told Becky? Do you know how Rob broke up with Kim? You will never guess what is going on between Chris and Debra!
How many stories have you heard lately that started like this? Do these statements or questions spark your interest? For some reason, people feel quite comfortable being drawn into discussions about the private matters of others.
Gossip is a disease that often runs rampant in the workplace, social circles, and the Church. Not only does this represent a sincere lack of respect for others, it also portrays a glaring spiritual problem.
Proverbs 20:19 instructs, "He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip." In his famous list of grievous sins, Paul includes gossip as being as dangerous as murder, strife, greed, and hating God. (Romans 1:28-32) Why is it that we so enjoy the intimate details of other people’s lives?
Gossip takes our attention away from our own faults and deficiencies. Jesus asked, "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). The next time you are tempted to delve into someone else’s privacy, stop and ask God to reveal what He would have you see in your own life. You may discover a "log" that you never noticed before.
Can You Get Away With Sin?
Galatians 6:7-9
"No one will ever know. I’m not hurting anyone else; this just involves me." You may recognize these infamous words as those that usually precede an act of disobedience. Isn’t it interesting that when we really want to do something we know is wrong, our minds can always rationalize the behavior?
That brings us to an age-old question: can we really get away with sin? In our hearts we know that the answer is no. Yet, when the consequences of sin seem to differ so greatly, we often choose to take the risk.
To fight these urges, we must remember that the consequences of sin are not always external, and they are not always immediate. "Secret sins" such as lying, adultery, and viewing pornography may go unnoticed for months or even years. However, the internal damage within the hearts and minds of those engaged in these activities can be life threatening.
Know this: God will deal with habitual sin in the lives of believers. He may allow his children to live in sin for a season, but as Luke 12:2 says, "There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known."
If you are trapped in habitual sin and can no longer hear God’s voice, it is time to evaluate your future. God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7) and He will not allow sin to go unpunished. Are you prepared to face the consequences of disobedience, or will you boldly turn from sin and accept His gift of forgiveness?
The choice is yours."
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