Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Let’s just face it. We love to gossip, don’t we? It’s fun to dish about who did what, with whom. It’s harmless, right? It doesn’t really hurt anybody. It’s not like murder or anything. Yet, anyone who has ever been the victim of gossip and slander will tell you, it’s not harmless. It does hurt. And though it may not kill our bodies, gossip and slander certainly can kill our spirits.
Can I be perfectly honest with you? It is hard being a pastor’s wife. Many times, the pastor and his family are targets. Some people within the church often feel it is “open season” on the pastor, the pastor’s wife, the pastor’s children . . . and it hurts. We have given our lives to ministry. But often, we have been torn down by the very people who should have been building us up, praying for us, encouraging us.
That’s not only true for pastor’s families. It is true for everyone. Many times, our mouths water for a juicy morsel of gossip or slander. As horrible as it sounds, it is human nature to enjoy chewing people up and spitting them out with our words. It is part of our sinful, human nature to want to focus on the negative things in other people’s lives. Some of us may think, “What’s the harm in a little innocent gossip?”
Well, friends, we need to think again.
God is in the construction business. He creates, and He builds up. Satan, on the other hand, is in the demolition business. He tears down, and he destroys. When we use our words to tear others down, we are choosing to go into business with Satan. Did you know that the Bible calls Satan “the Slanderer”? When we choose to take part in gossip and slander, we align ourselves with the enemy of God.
Dear friends, we must stop! We must heed Paul’s words, and do not let any unwholesome, mean, malicious, gossipy, slanderous, harmful, hurtful speech come out of our mouths! It is wrong. It hurts. It tears down.
God wants us to join Him in the family construction business. He wants us to build each other up, not tear each other down. He wants us to love and encourage and pray for one another, according to our needs, so that we can all benefit. Let us keep careful watch over every word that comes out of our mouths. Does it build up, encourage, and benefit others? Then speak. Does it hurt, tear down, and destroy? If so, we should remain silent.
Which business will you be a part of – The Devil’s Demolition, Inc. or Christ’s Construction Co.? The choice is yours.
Dear Father, Please help me to keep a tighter reign on my tongue. Forgive me for the hurtful words I have spoken to and about others in the past. Help me to always build others up with my words.
Amen
great reminder, renae–i appreciate your strong words on this! have a blessed day.
Thanks, Eileen! It is an important issue, as so many of us forget how much damage a few unkind words can do.
–r
I like the way you found a good title for this post!
Construction Worker. We are building people up. 🙂
Thanks, Daniel!
–r
Renae,
This is great. I would like to use a small quote on our church blog-we have a category called “inspiration” for great quotes.
May I post this (giving you credit, of course)?
“God is in the construction business. He creates, and He builds up. Satan, on the other hand, is in the demolition business. He tears down, and he destroys. Which business will you be a part of – The Devil’s Demolition, Inc. or Christ’s Construction Co.? The choice is yours.”
Absolutely, Lillie! I’d be honored. 🙂 You can even link me there if you’d like.
Blessings, dear friend!
–r
Thanks, Lillie!
–r