Gossip Or Gospel?

As a mother of very young children, I can attest to the many times that my children has repeated something my husband and I have said either to one another or to someone over the phone.

Because of their intelligence and ability to repeat words [and behaviors], we became more aware and sensitive to what is said around them.

It is not to say that I use foul language, because I don’t.

But there are ‘adult’ conversations that children do not need to know anything about – at least until they are much older, of course.

Moreover, God has given us the duty to train them up in the ways of the Lord.

What might this “training” include?

To teach them pure words. Engage them in the right conversations. Help them discern when to speak and when not to…… and the list goes on.

Furthermore, we not only teach our children ‘how ‘ to talk, but also ‘what’ to talk about.

The question Father God is asking us today is, “Are we teaching our children how to spread gossip or how to spread the Gospel?”

In the Word, we were never instructed to spread gossip. Gossip takes away from us. Gossip kills the good in us that was actual meant to help and build others. Gossip damages relationships, create conflict, and destroy trust.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus commanded His disciples to teach and spread the gospel.

Each one of our conversations should be pleasing and honorable to God.

The Gospel is what our children ought to be able to not only hear, but also see by the way we live our lives.

Jesus did not tell His disciples, “Do as I say, not as I do!” [That is a statement that hypocrites use. Hypocrites are people that speak [or teach] the Word of God but live the opposite way that God commands us to live.]

Christ lived what He taught – the Word. And the disciples, who so closely watched Him, were able to attest that whatever they heard Jesus preach to people, He practiced it too.

His behavior, His words, and His actions were all holy and pleasing to the Father. His mission was to spread the Gospel, not gossip. And that is exactly what He did.

Therefore, as we follow Jesus’ example to teach, practice, and spread the Gospel, I pray that our children see us as their examples to follow and do the same.

A MOMent to Reflect:

I’ve heard the saying, “Children are sponges. They soak up everything they see and hear.”

Parents must be a teacher at ALL times, not just during homework time.

Praying or reading the Word out loud are great habits that can be done in the home that children can learn from.

It is important to know that the very thing that weaves and seals the Gospel into our children’s behavior is when they become witnesses to the Word that is manifested in and through our lives.

Our attitudes, words, and behaviors matter! By them, we can either make or break our children’s relationship with the Lord.

It is imperative to ground them in the Gospel because through it, they will have something worth spreading – the love, peace, and joy of God.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."James 1:21-26