A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the closest friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
I imagine myself in heaven, racing and twirling through the light of God’s presence. I don’t know if it can happen in that place but, if a negative word against someone else comes to my lips, I think I know what I’ll do. I’ll consider the glorious face of Jesus before me, recall how he suffered for the target of my slander, and I’ll shut my mouth. They don’t gossip in heaven.
I’m certain hell is a place full of ruthless, backstabbing liars. That’s where they curse our God, his paradise, and his people. They probably even badmouth each other. Slander against those for whom Jesus died fills their eternity.
Heaven never gossips and hell never ceases that perversion. Here on earth, while waiting for the great separation of good and evil, which kingdom do I join by way of my mouth?
Words are sacred, instilled with the efficacy to create or to destroy. As beings created in God’s image, we are granted authority to use our words to change the world around us. What am I doing with that power, working with God by using encouragements or serving the Devil through slander?
A benevolent millionaire saw me playing in the mud. I shaped it with the rusty knife of dissension. He gently took away the cursed blade and led me to a playroom full of eternal possessions. Now I’m bouncing through his provision, loved and happy. It’s all mine because I’m all his. If I slip back into gossip, it means I’ve somehow forgotten my Benefactor and his incredible gifts and gone back to the mud.
Prayer: Remind me, oh Lord, to save my tongue for praising you.