Once upon a time, people used to gather “around the water cooler” at work to share news and trade gossip. Nowadays, people simply let their fingers do the talking as keyboard warriors or digital gossip girls. Here on the farm, it appears that Leona and Leah have gathered around the water trough to share secrets and to talk sheep (pardon the pun). There must have been a juicy tidbit or two since Lucy runs off while kicking up her heels, eager to spread the news to the rest of the flock.
Yes, of course, I’m anthropomorphizing. But don’t they just capture the essence of gossip? And what, exactly, is gossip? The dictionary blandly defines it as “informal conversation, often about other people’s private affairs.” Biblically speaking, however, it’s right up there — in the same sentence — with a list of seriously sinful behaviors, including jealously, anger, slander, conceit, malice, and even murder! (2 Cor. 12:20, Romans 1:29)
So, how did we get to the point where “spilling the tea” is as acceptable and American as apple pie? From tabloids, to social media, to television talk and reality shows, everyone seems to be up in everyone else’s business. But it doesn’t stop there. The tea spills in families, neighborhoods, schools, the workplace, friendships — and even church, damaging trust, destroying relationships, and staining our precious souls. So what’s a Christian to do?
We can’t — and don’t — live in a bubble. Even in the cute, cuddly world of sheep, there’s plenty of gossip to go around (imagine that!). While I confess I‘m a work in progress, I’ve personally found these questions tremendously helpful to avoid indulging in gossip.
Why am I saying/listening to this?
Would the person want me to know this?
Is the story mine to tell?
Would I repeat it to Jesus?
The unwritten rule of gossip is that those who gossip with you will gossip about you. And besides, if your momma is anything like my momma, she done told you (a thousand times):
If you can’t say anything nice…
It’s a brand new year. Instead of idling at a water cooler/trough and talking sheep, let’s “aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs” as St. Paul urges us. (1 Thess 4:11). In doing so, we offer grace, peace, and mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ — and therefore retain the hope of receiving the same from Jesus. 😇
P.S. A Sticky Note From The Flock!
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