To be mature or maturing in the gospel, as well as seeking that Christ be continuously more recognizable in my life - the life of a professing & possessing believer - an intentional effort to reconfigure my thoughts is the path (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 4:8). Understanding that gossip takes different forms & levels of angst towards another, it does so in transmission – verbally or written – from one to another.
The question that comes to the fore revolves around what, even in the smallest degree, constitutes this kind of communication forbidden for God’s adopted son or daughter? This will undoubtedly require an awareness & control of our thoughts before they leave the gate of our lips (James 3).
Another key to avoiding this pervasive sin is self-control & wisdom. This is no ordinary control exhibited by the sheer will of a person. No, for the Christian it comes by surrender and alignment with the Holy Spirit. After all, isn’t self-control an aspect of the Spirit’s fruit granted to the one He indwells (Gal. 5:22)?
As to the combatting against rumor spreading or character assassination attempts, the following questions may be of help:
· Where is my heart when a person comes to mind & how do I align it with God’s heart before speaking a word (Jeremiah 17:9; Ps. 139:23-24)?
· To whom would the potential gossip be directed? This is important because the character of the person will either help stay or loose my tongue. Remember that, although Christians now belong to the same family of and in God, they are also in the sanctification process. Ultimately, being mindful and setting appropriate relational boundaries is necessary. For your potential sin is still your sin, of which you are fully culpable (Ezekial 18:20; 1 Cor. 15:33).
· Lastly (more can surely be said), a deepening understanding of why a Christian is a Christian is imperative if change is to occur (Colossians 1:22-23, 28; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Jn. 1:9).
My dear Christian let not anything concerning engagement in gossip, either passively or actively, be true of you. Remember to Whom you belong & why that is so. By keeping our eyes steadfast on our Savior and the cross He bore, we ourselves then can & should follow Him in like manner.
For Christ's sake,
P. Che