In our lifetime, perhaps most of us, if not all, have been guilty of gossiping or listening to it. Have you ever overheard someone gossip about you? I have; and if you have too how did you respond? Or did you?
In my mention situation, gossipers spoke negatively about me and my works in the Lord. As of today, they have no idea that one of them mistakenly pocket dialed my cell phone and my voicemail recorded their conversation. I did not speak to them about it because I would have done exactly what the devil had prescribed. It takes only one word, one spark to start a fire not easily put out. “Human nature is such a funny business sometimes.” After getting over disappointment, I was quite happy others felt a need to discuss my works in the Lord for His glory; regardless if positive or negative.
Our minds are prey grounds for Satan so much that in Revelation 12:12, we read “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but short time. Perhaps we all heard someone jokingly, or not, say “If I go down, I am taking you with me.” Well, the devil is also trying to take as many of us with him. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, and spared not the old world, but Noah and his family. Would He show favoritism to us when He is of no respect of person?
How does Satan prey in our minds? First, he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We must continue to encourage one another to resist and stand firm in the faith because the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Even though Satan has no power it is crucial to wear the whole armour of God to be equipped to withstand his schemes. COVID-19 is invisible and deadly and so are schemes from those who do the devil’s bidding. We take precaution against getting the corona virus and should take precaution against the devil’s schemes.
Gossip is one of many rides in Satan’s prey ground and it is wrong regardless of who we gossip about. “For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slanders, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” Gossip have destroyed many relationships, reputations; and unfortunately some congregations have their share of troublemakers, gossipers, slanderers and spiritually immature. My suggestion is when a known gossiper calls or visits you to speak of someone else’s business, stop them immediately and say do not tell me what someone said about me, tell me why they felt comfortable telling you. Hmmm!
Next to gossip is the ride of busybody also known as a meddler. These two rides are side by side because gossip is usually a staple of busybodies that can be camouflaged as a prayer request or under other pretenses. It is widely known that usually busybodies are dissatisfied with their own lives and gain satisfaction by becoming involved in someone else’s business.
Other players on the devil’s prey ground are liars, enemies, argumentative and divisive, unethical behavior, proud lookers, criticism and the like. As young children, we were upset when adults started hanging out on our playground. But for the devil’s prey ground, we definitely should be upset and shut it down with love, joy, peace long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance and save ourselves from this untoward generation. We must stop Satan’s plan of attack to control our minds.
Do not let the taste of the forbidden fruit cost you the taste of heaven. –Tangie T. Woods
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, we all have made mistakes that were not pleasing to God. But thank God for Jesus’ blood for the remission of our sins. I have done and said things that I regretted for years until I fully understood if we do not allow the past to die it is difficult to live holy if we hold on to regrets that we repented for and has been forgiven. I understand the hardest part is forgiving ourselves.
LikeLike
I know what you mean. Last year had been difficult for me personally and had to let go of my ministry for a while because I got blinded by rage. My family is in-charge of church audit & with that, we are not so well-liked. My parents handle it gracefully as usual, but when we got personally attacked by one member of the administration bad mouthing us indirectly while at the lectern — I ended up being protective of my folks, being at their mid60s and being harassed just because they are being critical of the books… I ended up reacting to temptation and my actions did not glorify God at all. My parents would beg that I don’t engage but at that time, I totally lost it.
I regained the lost confidence of people, regained back my friends, regained the ministry that I have once taken a break from, but I haven’t let go of the shame I felt for not glorifying the Lord at that time… it was one of the worst reactions / decisions I have made in life and I totally regret it til now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, we all have made mistakes that were not pleasing to God. But thank God for Jesus’ blood for the remission of our sins. I have done and said things that I regretted for years until I fully understood if we do not allow the past to die it is difficult to live holy if we hold on to regrets that we repented for and has been forgiven. I understand the hardest part is forgiving ourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️ ❤️
LikeLike
Agree, thank you for reading and sharing comments.
LikeLike
Satan is creative force also, he create viruses. We cant neglect his power. His power gets dull when he encounters a true believer. No matter how hard his suffering may be but he will not left believing in god .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree, thank you for reading and sharing encouraging comments. Have a great evening.
LikeLike
Gossip has put lots of people 6 feet under. I admire the stand you took when the person made a negetive remark about your work for the Lord. This is an awsome blog. It is so true and filled with such great advice, if only we will heed it. With all that is going on today, we have to be very careful about what we say, and about whom we speak . Take care. I look forward to the next informative blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen Sister Carr; well said. Thank you for reading and for sharing comments.
LikeLike
This was an amazing read, Gossip is deadly. May God help us not allow our flesh to accept forbidden fruit that will cost us heaven. Thank you for this reminder 🙌🙌
God bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for reading and sharing your encouraging comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore DO NOT ASSOCIATE WITH A GOSSIP.” (I added the caps!) As with all of God’s Word, I take this verse seriously! God bless you for doing the right thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen. I would not have pleased God had I behaved ungodly. I will never be perfect but I am striving for perfection to receive my crown. Thank you for reading and sharing encouraging comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article! Yes, Gossip is deadly! It’s aim is to kill a person’s self-esteem and reputation. Thanks for sharing such valuable info. I pray people will learn from this informative post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and sharing your encouraging comments.
LikeLike
🤗🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have nominated you for ideal inspiration blogger award. Please have a look https://daneelyunus.com/2020/05/11/ideal-inspiration-blogger-award/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for reading and for your nomination which I humbly accept.
LikeLike
Most welcome, I will wait for your reply
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true Tangie! I have been trying encourage myself to take captive my thoughts before they become full fledged, such an important reminder! Thank you, and God Bless 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome and thank you for reading and sharing comments.
“19 Do not fret because of evildoers…, 20 for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.”— Proverbs 24:19-20
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting! Also I nominated you! https://theworkofadreamer.com/2020/05/10/the-original-outstanding-blogger-award/
LikeLiked by 1 person
😯, thank you for reading and finding content inspiring to be nominated. I humbly accept and appreciate your thoughtfulness. Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome, and no problem! You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and the many ways include the things we speak. As the word says “Death and life lies in the power of the tongue.” We have to be careful not to engage in things/conversations that doesn’t glorify God. We have all walked in those shoes but may God help us. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏿😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree. You are definitely correct about “not engaging and glorifying God….” As Christians, we must always be a light in a dark world regardless of the devil’s schemes. Thank you for reading and sharing your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. It was a blessing reading this blog post 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The whispers. They have never stopped
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree. Thank you for reading and sharing your comments.
LikeLike