Gossip: Leaking Classified Information

Leaking classified information pertinent to the safety of our country is treasonous, treacherous and vile.

What is the best countermand to deal with a “leak”? Douse it with “burning coals”?

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22.

I’d like to say that I could be this charitable, but let’s be real; it’s probably best for the “free world” that I am not a politician.  When someone has betrayed a confidence of mine, certainly nothing on the magnitude of state secrets, nonetheless classified to me–my immediate inclination is to respond in a manner that is less than what Christ expects from me. Yet, sharing information that isn’t ours to share is at its core gossiping for personal gain.

Within government, business or in our personal relationships when we gossip we think it benefits us somehow. We are in the “know”. We believe our treacherous need to share information, that is not ours to share, will allow us to achieve notoriety, fame, power or monetary gain. In the long run what do we get? A reputation of sin. Let’s face it – the only thing lots of “leaks” turn into is one big “drip”.

Here are some helpful DOs:

• Next time you feel tempted to gossip–don’t. Turn your energy to prayer and ask God to help you hold your tongue. “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8.
• If someone has told you something in confidence and you feel that overwhelming desire to share it on Facebook or anywhere else–don’t. How’d you like it if that happened to you? “Love your neighbor as yourself … ” James 1:5. “So in everything; do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12.
• If you have overheard a conversation you weren’t included in on or is none of your business – just move on. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands … ” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Finally, let Paul’s words below, seep into every last pore in these end times.:

“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”2 Corinthians 12:20

When are you most tempted to gossip? How will you avoid this sin?