Assuming For The Best

Lately I've noticed a common problem that, if remedied, would greatly help any congregation in their efforts to be of one mind, even as the church as a whole strives for this. I'm sure that anyone reading this has found himself or herself in a situation where someone has assumed something about them, and the source is hearsay. You know, when little bits of information get spread around in circles, and before much time passes, what was first a matter of speculation becomes a matter of fact. Everyone has been involved with this to some degree. In the church, its sad state of affairs when this goes on, because we ought to leave such destructive practices in the world- where we came from. Christians should realize that gossip is an underhanded and powerful way to destroy the character of another person. If you don't believe me, it should be enough proof that gossip is a regular practice of politicians. That settles it for me anyway...

So I've been thinking about a way to stem off the caustic erosion damaging words can cause to individual character. How do we stop ourselves from spreading half-truths within the body? What can we do about it? I think that we should assume for the best. What I mean is that we should have the kind of respect for our fellow Christians that resolves us to take anything we hear about a brother or sister and pass it through this mental filter: "That brother/sister of mine is God's possession, and will be going with me when we pass from this world. Is what I'm hearing constructive in any way? Does it even matter?" Something like that should be passing through our minds when we hear gossip about our fellow Christians. Try to put aside the human desire to hear that juicy little piece of bad information, even if it is true. That's not what is important. I think of Paul’s words to the Ephesians, “ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

I imagine that so many problems in a congregation could be solved if more people took on this thought pattern. I've seen it, and it works. Just stop and think about how many things you've heard in the miniature speakeasies that form up after church. Its reminiscent of prohibition-era, clandestine information lines. We are good at it! And we have to stop, because this is one of the most seemingly innocent yet damaging actions we can take in a congregation. Christians talking negatively about other Christians- I'm sure that Satan loves it. I imagine that he looks on at Christians who smile when face to face but slander each other when walking away, and I imagine that he laughs. One of our greatest realizations about the encouragements we read in scripture to be unified ought to be that we are struggling against an adversary who has unified forces. Think about it. Do you think that Satan’s minions are divided? Do they argue amongst themselves and fight about their purpose? Or do you imagine that they all work together for their goals? I believe that the Devil has forces that are unified in what they do, and I believe this is part of why we are so encouraged to be unified as Christians. Our working together is vital, and gossiping tears our brotherhood apart.

My challenge today is for all of us to act in a way that gives respect to our brothers and sisters. This ought to be a respect that cannot tolerate damaging words.