Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extracurricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George and several others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house .. Walked home.... And left it there all night! You gotta love George.
Our tongues are defined as the smallest of body parts but one that often does the most damage to relationships and the fellowship of the church. James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
I have to admit that yes, I like you have been a part of gossip before and it always leaves me feeling rotten inside. The strength to walk away or better yet stop it by taking the 'higher ground' takes preparation and prayer. Volunteers within our children's ministry programs are crucial to spreading the good news... they certainly shouldn't be the spreaders of bad news. As the leader it's your responsibility to intervene and put a stop to spreading gossip, or in some cases it means putting an end to the gossiper... Easier said than done!
In Romans 12:18 Paul told the Christians to 'live at peace with everyone'. Gossip never leads to peace in the church. Ask God for strength this week as you tune your ears to the gossip in your department, prepare yourself to intervene and put an end to this damaging church fellowship activity.