There are a lot of ways to destroy a church, a business, or even a friendship. Since my job is the pastor of a church, let me focus on that.
First, it is really important to clarify a term. By church I am NOT referring to any physical structures. A physical structure can be destroyed any number of ways (like many around the world are today), but the church can go on…and does. A natural disaster. A mob bent on destruction. A vengeful act. An act of hatred. Houses of worship can be leveled.
But a more insidious type of destruction is one from within. A wolf in sheep’s clothing can sneak in and spread false teaching. A leader can “ride herd” on a church and bring it to its knees (check out 3 John 9-10 and the story of Diotrephes). There is one type I think that brings more churches to its knees (not in a good way) than just about any other. This verse from Proverbs 16:28 says all that needs said: “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” (NLT)
It’s easy to see. You want to destroy a church? You want to destroy a company? You want to destroy a friendship? Gossip. Be a troublemaker. Or let them go unchecked. Let it go unchecked and watch the dominoes fall. Little by little. Piece by piece. All that will be left is a pile of ashes or rubble. If the enemy can get the people inside bickering, talking smack, spreading poison or something as ugly, he will have found the way to bring the church down. It is the most effective way and he didn’t need a bulldozer to accomplish his feat.
Don’t be part of the problem; be part of the solution. Stop the gossip and the gossiper.
The enemy has a way, when left unchallenged and ignored, of slipping in and causing strife amongst those who call themselves brothers and sisters. Families will have their squabbles, their disagreements, even an altercation or two at times… It cannot be ignored,it must be dealt with swiftly, sternly, but lovingly. God’s intention is not division, it is unity.
Absolutely correct Ryan. There will always be disagreements. In families and church families. But the church, as in the family, unity is to be the goal.
One thing I’ve noticed, too, is be very wary of the person who gossips to you about someone else because that same person who spreads gossip more than likely has gossiped about you to others. Let’s do the right thing when it comes to nipping this action in the bud whenever we can.
Blessings, Bill!
Your comment made me think of Barney Fife’s words: “Nip it, nip it, nip it.”
True Bill. Gossips really do not care if they get any facts correct, they just want to be the center of attention. Their are people who love to stir the pot, and create chaos. I try to avoid those people. If they come to me, I just say, that’s not my business, I don’t want to talk about this. Standing and listening to someone gossip, is just as bad as spreading it yourself as you are encouraging and affirming their bad behavior.
I like the way you think Gail. “I’m not interested. Get away from me.” Soon they will get the point that you are not fair game for their poison.