Pure and undefiled religion {worship} in the sight of our Lord is this: Caring for widows and orphans in their time of distress, and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
I've been talking about stains...or more specifically, about how as Christians we can keep ourselves unstained by the world. I've talked about the worldly atmospheres of drunkenness, and materialism.
Now let's talk about the mouth. James talks a lot about it...GOSSIP. You know, that juicy little tidbit of info. that will make you explode if you can't share it with just one person. Or that little thing that irked you about someone that you'd love to hash over with a friend. Or that news you think you heard, but you aren't sure if it's true, but maybe so-and-so knows if it's true...
GOSSIP...It's enticing and exciting, and dangerous and divisive. It's a tempting little trap of the enemy of our souls. It's acceptable in the world, but spoken of in Scripture as that which defiles our whole body. It causes friendships to break up, churches to divide, ministries to crumble and people to be destroyed.
How do we avoid it? How do we resist the temptation? How do you live life in this world and consistently sidestep it? Have you overcome a struggle with the tongue?
Without engaging in it, let's talk about it. After all, to refrain from it and point others away from it is an act of Worship.
6 comments:
The word 'defiled' reminds me of one of your songs we used for mission's week here on campus. Undefiled Worship. The words of that songs are a true, eye opening blessings. God has been working on my heart a lot lately to be open to His call to GO. I am leaving for 10 days to Jamaica in a few short hours and praising God for His blessings and open doors. Blessings!
The Lord has used those passages in James to convict me time and again. I'm still working on this one, but I've found that when there's something that I know I shouldn't "try and get the scoop on," or something I shouldn't share, I'll talk to the Lord about it and try to keep it between the two of us. This is easier said than done, but I'm a work in progress.
I have found two things beyond being in the Word and in prayer that help me avoid the temptations of gossip. 1) Talk slowly. By talking slowly I allow myself the time to think not only about what I want to say, but the motivation behind what I want to say and the effect my words might have.
2) Walk away. Sometimes the temptation isn't to speak gossip but listen to it and so I have found that at times I just have to walk away and physically remove myself from the temptation. Yes there are times when you can redirect conversation to more Godly topics, but often those conversations veer back to gossip and it is important to flee. Sometimes leaving is awkward or embarrassing, but I find it better to be humiliated before man than before God.
These two tactics only work however when I'm focused on the Lord. That is what prompts me to talk slowly and walk away, not my own sinful heart.
First, I like you and your posts.
Secondly, THIS is a subject MOST (if human) have dealt with.
Thirdly, I'm going to post more when I get a chance.
Elizabeth...what awesome reminders of things that can stain us and take us very far from the Lord ...and compromise our testimony. Reading your posts are thought provoking and challenging... and as Pastor Doug would say... 'Amen ouch'
The tongue is a tough one...I think for women it's a very difficult vice to control... I like Heather's suggestions to speak slowly and walk away... You can toss words and statements out (that you can't take back)...before you even realize you are saying it..... I work in an office full of women...(Heaven help me!!!).. and sometimes I can't walk away...not because I'm engaging in the gossip or unhealthy conversation...but because it might be taking place close to my desk... what I've found effective is to ask the Lord to guide my thoughts and tounge in those few minutes the conversation is going on... and to add words of truth and life into the conversation...if I can...and if that isn't an option or has failed to work...I mentally walk away... I don't make eye contact and I begin to pray in my mind...or hum a worship song... sometimes louder to make it heard... I can tell when my disengaging and humming has become uncomfortable to others...they end their conversation and go back to their desks! And I know sometimes they are very aware that I can hear what they are saying and everyone knows I'm a christian...so I believe God is using my position in Him to convict those speaking words of death... (does that make sence?)
It's so easy to justify ungodly behavior... after all, we are human and flawed... so talking about these things with each other to get that guidance and those helpful hints from each other is vital... Thank you once again sister...
This can be an area of temptation for many of us on a daily basis. Since reading this post I have been more "aware" of the temptation to gossip, slander etc. I have to say that the Lord has taught me a lot about taming my tongue. I'm not perfect and I do succomb to unhealthy talk at times so I certainly am no expert! Being in ministry I've learned A LOT about the power of words to give life and hope and also death and destruction. I've unfortunately heard my own words come back to me and unfortunately overheard hurtful words spoken about others. It's just a nasty, gross feeling to hear "false testimony" about another or to hear it come from your own lips!! I believe it is important to get wise counsel on issues/people in your life. But let your confidences be few. Have you ever heard someone speak about another in a less than Christ-like way and thought to yourself.."Hmmm...I'm not telling THEM anything". God please help us if we wound with our words and therefore do damage to your kingdom and the relationships you given us!
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