John 11:46
But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what [Jesus] had done.
As you age, you gain different perspectives. One tried and true theory that becomes clearer as my hair gets grayer:
“GOSSIP and RUMORS – true or untrue – never do anyone any good”
When I was in high school – way back in the 1970’s – my friends and I were fascinated by GOSSIP and RUMORS. As high school seniors, we actually would start fake rumors and see how many days it would take until the rumor “came back to us” via others spreading the gossip. As I recall, the average time was about 3-4 school days.
Today – and being with teens a lot – rumors can spread literally in minutes (rather than days) – given the speed of texting, Facebook, Twitter, on and on… it can destroy peoples’ lives and in even minor cases…. ruin their self-esteem.
One of the plain facts that scream at me about this passage: Spreading rumors ended up getting Jesus killed. If having his Son die from peoples’ rumors isn’t a clear sign that God doesn’t want his children gossiping – what is?
Not spreading a ‘juicy rumor’ is anti-cultural, especially in these fast times. People think it will make them more popular to be in-the-know – but what does it really accomplish?
Next time you want to pass along some good gossip…. pray about it, and see if that’s what God REALLY wants you to do as a Christian.
Kevin Kinsella
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship on Sunday at 8:30 and 11. Wednesday, September 24 will be our Seder Dinner. Email office@allsaintspalatine.org to reserve your spot. Easter morning (April 4) we will have a breakfast. To contribute cooking or service, be in touch with Sandi Bolinger or Lori Quinn (847-991-4513).
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