Juicy, Delicious, Gossip
George Harrison, singer-songwriter and lead guitarist of Beatles fame, once said “Gossip is the Devil’s radio”. Whack! This prominent 20th century cultural identity does not pull punches in describing his objection to gossip.
A gentle wander through Proverbs 10, 11, 18, James 1, Romans 1, and 1 Timothy 5 makes it very clear what the Biblical position is on gossip: JUST DON’T! (Article over? turn the page? No! We need to have a chat about what gossip actually is.)
Could it be as simple as “gossip is the opposite of godly speech, the antithesis of what God wants us to do in representing him on earth”.
May I suggest that it’s also about attitude and how its presented. What if you asked yourself …
How often do I recount news I have heard with an air of authority, as though I know it to be true, even though I haven’t checked the facts?
What if I can’t check the facts?
If I don’t know how true it is, why am I mentioning it?
Would I be prepared to be less “the focus of attention” by not saying it?
What would happen if I don’t say anything?
Will it build up those who I am talking about?
Why am I talking about someone else not present at the time?
Would I say it to their faces?
Sometimes, when we hear gossip, it seems quite delicious – it appeals to our humanity. Knowing of another’s shortcomings has a deceptively comforting aspect to it – it’s almost a “thank God that didn’t happen to me” moment. We can even dress it up into some kind of “pious reflection”. But gossip is the antithesis of Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – a psalm rich in the most beautiful descriptions of how God’s word works to build the lives of his people.
The following question, asked of me 45 years ago in the form of a gentle rebuke by a godly elderly relative, provides a simple antidote to gossip:
“Can I say it, knowing that Jesus is sitting next to me?”
That is, if I am embarrassed for Jesus to hear it, I should think about those I am speaking to and about and whether what I say edifies them. Can I honestly say I am glorifying God as I speak those words?
A godly talk life will start with a heart of humility, mindful that God knows all about our profound flaws and imperfection and, yet, still extends his grace to us in all its perfection.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tim is the Executive Principal at Donvale Christian College. He loves a chat, whether it’s about God, his immediate or extended family, sports, coffee or exotic places to travel. Being a teacher for 25 years, involved in the church and its ministries for all of his life, and soccer and cricket clubs fanatically for over four decades has given him so many great conversations to be thankful for.
educating 4 life, too 
Leave a comment