The Blog of activechristian

by Stacy L. Harp

Recently I was in the midst of studying the bible and I read a statement in my bible study guide that said that Christians should engage in “Holy Gossip”. That got my attention, especially as a blogger because as a Christian blogger who writes about the underbelly of society and the decay that is taking place, both in the world and sadly, the Church - I wondered exactly what the author meant by “holy gossip”.

As I read through the bible study questions further the example they gave of “holy gossip” was really simple. It was talking about someone in a positive manner in the body of Christ. And guess what - we have seen that borne out recently with some Christian commentators and bloggers and also negatively with other Christian commentators.

Remember when Sarah Palin’s daughter was exposed to the world as pregnant? I do…and I’m sure you do too. It was all over the news. Yet, I heard some Christians attacking Sarah’s parenting skills and motherhood.

On the other hand, I also heard some Christians giving grace to Sarah and her family. - Which really is the biblical response, not the legalistic and condemning response that the other Christian leaders gave.

As I have reflected on this, I realize that it is a high responsibility to be called into ministry as a writer, as a radio talk show host, as someone in so called discernment ministry, and it’s another thing to represent the teachings of Christ with maturity, without malice and with truth, grace and mercy.

Sadly, I do not see this in some who are prominent in the so called discernment ministries. In fact, what I see is a spirit of condemnation and pessimism that is like a stench of raw sewage. And every time I read these blogs for the latest information they feel is the evil in the church, I feel a sadness overwhelm my heart. Especially as I think about what an unsaved person would think.

On the other hand, I see some Christian leaders who are a fragrant aroma to the body of Christ as they talk about the sins of the Church. These leaders understand that their lives are not perfect and that there is much room for grace and mercy to be given. I respect these leaders because when they speak of the body and her problems, or even specific individuals and their sin - they offer their audiences the grace and love of Jesus Christ. This has been a wonderful example to me personally.

It is a challenge every day to make sure that what I write is going to be both something of substance that offers information, but also something that is truthful and offers hope.

Have I always succeeded in “holy gossip” - I would be the first to say, absolutely not. But has the Lord shown me things and taught me better ways and have I done my best to follow that lead - I am trying!

The bible says to the follower of Christ Jesus in Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This is a great place to begin especially when wanting to discuss a person and their character. It is also a good place to begin when we want to examine the doctrine or beliefs of another person or movement.

Ephesians 5:11 says,

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them”.

But do you know what it says before that? Here, let me show you…Ephesians 5:8-10

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

After you do all of that, then you expose the deeds of darkness. And you must always remember that you too were in the darkness before the Lord brought you into the Light. It has been my observation with some in discernment ministries, that they appear to forget where they once were.

The passage goes on to explain how we should be, even as we expose the deeds of darkness…

12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you convicted yet? I know I was as I thought about this.

The bottom line is this - if you want to engage in gossip, make sure that it is truly “holy gossip” and a fragrant aroma to those who are listening to you. Make sure that if you are exposing the deeds of darkness, that you also were once in darkness and have been now called into God’s glorious light, because of His mercy and love. Be thankful for what He has done in you and pray for those that are in darkness.

Don’t let your work in discernment ministry, or media, or even blogging, be a stench like raw sewage to the body of Christ. Show grace and mercy, and do it in a loving manner while you are trying to show people the darkness they are in.

This is where I am hoping to go with my blogging from here on out.