A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Summary: Do we take gossips seriously? Paul suggests that we should take it at least as seriously as murder. How we do that depends on a proper understanding of the Greek word, krino, meaning “to judge.”
In the opening chapter of Romans, Paul provides us with a list of “every kind of wickedness…” (Romans 1:29). Along with things like murder and greed, he lists “gossip.” What I take from this is that wickedness opposes God’s will and “gossip” is a significant form of wickedness.
In the post “Rightography” we discussed several types of righteousness. The two types I want to bring into this discussion are “righteousness by faith” (imputed) and what we called “imperfect righteousness.” What fascinates me about these two types is that they reflect our dual nature.
Did I say “dual nature?” Paul writes, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Paul has divided us up into “spirit” and “flesh” and left the “mind” somewhere in the middle. (I wonder where I left mine….) So there might be a third part that integrates the two halves.
As discussed earlier, righteousness by faith is a spiritual matter. This has nothing to do with the flesh or the works of the flesh. “Imperfect righteousness,” however, is the expression of that faith in the flesh. Some argue that since we are saved by faith alone, no expression of faith in the flesh is needed. James argues that such expressions of faith, while not needed for salvation, are essential if the faith is genuine (James 2:14).
People who have received God’s forgiveness and new life in the spirit through Jesus Christ know this and tend to be extremely cautious about pronouncing judgment on anyone’s efforts to please God. According to Matthew 7:1-2, this is a wise strategy. We are not to judge things we cannot see, and we cannot see what is in the heart of someone else. Yet there are things we are supposed to judge.
Perhaps the most direct application of this in the New Testament is Paul’s admonition to the Church at Corinth. He writes, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” (1 Corinthians 5:12) In this application of the word “krino” (Greek, meaning “to judge”) we see God’s will for church leadership. They are not judging things of the spirit, but rather they are judging behaviors in the physical realm.
In my own experience, I have had to apply this kind of judgment many times. Not from a position of authority over other people, but a position of responsibility for myself and my family. When looking for a church we started with a traditional choice but soon discovered that a mainstream church body was not a guarantee of biblical fidelity. When that happened we had to “judge” the behavior and determine a response. (A problem with this topic is that people sometimes confuse their personal preferences for Biblical truths. When that happens people take sides and churches end up splitting sometimes over something as silly as a paint color.)
Today’s passage presents us with a similar challenge.
Suppose you need some advice about a situation that is confidential. You need to talk to someone, but you also need the confidence to be respected. Whom do you choose?
The answer requires judgment. We have to choose between people we trust and people we don’t trust. If we don’t trust someone to keep a confidence, that is a form of judgment based on experience. If we do trust someone, it is because they have proven themselves trustworthy. This type of judgment is essential for our personal lives as well as for church life.
Application: Consider this example of the proper application of judging and how it might apply to other areas of your life.
Food for Thought: What do you look for in someone trustworthy?
I actually smiled at the cartoon!
The discussion today on judgement and gossip and trusting people has been of the most challenging aspects of what Ive seen people in ministry face. It’s so hard for a pastor or leader to trust anyone with the personal things they have to share. Yes, teachers are judged more strictly, but we they are also human. If they know that anything they say will be scrutinized, they have to be careful, which often causes them to hide, or not say what needs to be said, it to be laid bare before the church and shamed though gossip and unhealthy conversations. Often when we keep our mouth shut, we have enough time to actually process what was told to us.
Mr. B –
I’m glad you appreciated the cartoon. 🙂 The more I look at it, the more layers of messaging I see. It is funny how some of them turn out that way…
Yes, I can appreciate what you are saying about pastors. I think there are many ways where the churches have strayed from Biblical teaching. Some are unique to one tradition or another. Others are more universal. This one is fairly universal.
When we place leadership on a pedestal, we risk feeding their ego and the problems that go with that. We also isolate them from the congregation making them an easier target for Satan’s minions. It is not a good situation.
Perhaps someday the church will stumble back into a Biblical model… : -)
What do you look for in someone trustworthy?
1 – Consist
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
2 – Respectful
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
3 – Truthful
2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
4 – Gracious
Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
5 – And don’t forget compassionate, kind, gentle and patient!
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Chris,
GREAT LIST!! 🙂
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I don’t know that I have a well thought out list like Chris. But I do know that there are two quick ways to lose my trust. (A bit like trust until proven untrustworthy)
1- Manipulation. I have a very low tolerance for it.
2- Untruths. I say this because it goes beyond lies. It adds believing things that aren’t true and speaking partial truths. If someone shows a habit for any of these things they will lose different degrees of my trust.
The challenge I then have is to not let my reaction be purely instinctual, but to make it intentional and Spirit guided. If I allow the Spirit to guide, then there remains the possibility of restoration, healing, growth of character. If I’m guided by my instincts, then none of those are considered.
A —
Thank you! Each of us brings a unique perspective to this conversation and all are valued! 🙂
I am like you in that I tend to trust first and ask questions later. There are pros and cons to this approach, but it probably is a reflection of character more than intellect.
As to your two criteria, I agree. I also appreciate your thoughts about restoration. Such an important point!!
There are some great thoughts already expressed. I will keep mine very simple: say what you mean and mean what you say. Our word should be confirmed by our simply saying so – not a written contract. Matthew 5: 33 – 37; James 5: 12.
Rich,
Well said!
05-25-2022, Proverbs 11:33, What do you look for in someone trustworthy?
People have a changeable nature which makes our expecting them to be completely trustworthy, could prove an unfair burden to place on them. I choose to lean on the Lord. Proverbs tells me, trust in the LORD with all my heart, and do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight my paths. And John teaches, when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide me into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to me what is to come.
Proverbs 3:5–6, John 16:13,
Jesus tells us, come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-3
I believe these words were written and preserved for our benefit so we will know where to turn as we seek to become more Christlike.
Ron,
You make a good point. Ultimately, God is the only one who will never let us down.
Good morning AllMy co-worker, Danny, turned me on to this site and I am not disappointed. Really looking forward to hanging around here and getting closer to our Lord and Savior.
Matthew,
Welcome! Thank you for joining us!
Matt my brother, so glad you joined! Howdy Jeff! Danny Lippis
Danny,
Thank you for bringing Matthew to the party! Good to hear from you, too!! Gold stars for both of you! 🙂
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Fellowship and gold stars? Man God is good. Very blessed to be here .Nice to meet you Jeff, Danny was right, great site. Zee
🙂