Gossip

Verse of the Day
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. Proverbs 17:9 NASB

     When I read this, the obvious was the first to stand out.  Real friendship is based on trust.  Betrayal of that trust, especially in the realm of secrets shared, can cause tremendous damage. 
     Because I work in a place where gossip is rampant, another application hit me.  In Romans 1, Paul is talking about unbelievers.  He puts gossips right in the list along with murderers and God-haters.  It can't be more clear how God feels about gossip.
     This proverb speaks of the damage of gossip.  People gossip for any number of reasons, and not always maliciously. Sometimes they are angry over a past slight.  Sometimes they are jealous.  Maybe they are just bored with too much time on their hand.  Whatever the motive, they decide to indulge in gossip.
     Gossip is a tool used to divide and isolate us.  God made us to live in community and harmony, with Him and with each other.  Gossip doesn't simply force a wedge between me and my brother, it seeks to isolate him from everyone else.  Even if not consciously, it is my sinful nature's way of trying to elevate me in "the group" by tearing down someone else.  As such, gossip does not need to be a lie. Truth, half truth or utter lie, it is sin.
     I may feel a sense of elevation for a time.  However, the kinds of groups that trade status with so little regard for people will probably soon grind me up to advance someone else.  

Servant Leadership

     Jesus told his disciples that who ever would be greatest must be a servant. There is so much wisdom in that statement that it would take hours to fully unpack. Let me unpack it a little.
     We tend to believe that greatness is reserved for those who are masters. Masters lead by force. That is the way of the world. Jesus wants us to see how his way is radically different.
     Jesus call is to lead as a servant. A servant is lowly and humble. But how can a servant lead? Servants lead with love.
     The servant first lives the truth out. The world already has plenty of leaders who proclaim "Do as I say, but don't look too closely at what I do". Not that we will be perfect, but we ourselves, being led by truth, are called to give a perfect effort. Then we trust both in the strength and in the grace of God to carry us forward.
     As the servant lives the truth, they remember to be grateful for all that they have. No matter our lot in life, we have something for which to be thankful. Even a crippled beggar has life and is offered the gift of eternal life through God's grace. Most of us have so much more than that. Maybe we need to spend more time with God thanking Him and asking Him to reveal to us just how much we do have. A grateful heart will be a joyful heart.
     And that is the place from which we lead. With a joyful, loving heart, we serve one another. We do not drive them. The joy and the love living in us draws them. We all hunger for joy in our life. We may choose to try to feed our heart on all manner of things, bad and good. However, it is the joy that we really want, and joy is the only thing that will truly nourish our heart and allow it to grow.
     As God's Spirit calls them, He will lead them to his servant leaders. Love those He brings you and as opportunities arise, tell them about the one who has brought peace and joy to your life. Be honest that your life isn't perfect. You fail. You struggle. But you are never left alone and He never stops loving you.

Do Not Fear

     I was listening to a snippet of a speaker from "Founder's Week" at Moody Bible Institute this morning. He was talking about when Jesus calmed the storm while he and his disciples were crossing the sea. Jesus is calmly sleeping, because he knows that all is safe in His Father's hands. The disciples freak out and wake Him. The problem isn't that they are concerned about the storm. It is that they ask Him "don't you care?"
     This is a slap in the face to God because it completely doubts His character. Asking for help is an honest and proper response. It addresses the reality that we are dependent on God. But they don't ask for help. They accuse Jesus of not caring.
     We will have to struggle with our fears and worries in this life, but throughout the scriptures God speaks the message "do not fear". He isn't telling us to "suck it up and stop being a baby". He knows our struggle. He is reminding us that the reason we don't need to fear is because HE is with us.