Too much talk.

When I was in high school, we had to write personal belief papers each year. We got to choose from a list of topics, and explain our position on the subject. Dating, God's will, purity, entertainment, pride, and prayer were all up for grabs... along with many others.

As I am cleaning out my room this week, I have found so many interesting artifacts with such sweet memories attached to them. Notes passed secretly between desks that I've kept for YEARS, tests and quizzes, essays, little gifts. I even found a flash drive that had TONS of papers on it from the first few years of high school.

In 2007, for my personal belief paper, I wrote on speech... specifically gossip. It was such a prudent reminder for my heart, and made my heart burn that much more for TRUTH. I am posting what I wrote during my Sophomore year of high school, praying that the words that come out of my mouth will be pleasing to the Lord. What a huge privilege it is to speak His name and shout His praises. May His voice always be loudest voice we hear.


"An unknown author once said “Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to.” Another said, “Fire and swords are slow engines of destruction compared to the tongue of a gossip.” Gossip is a destructive thing that I cannot say I’m never a part of, but that I truly detest. I want the words that come out of my mouth to be pleasing in God’s eyes. Gossip is a hurtful thing which all starts with the way I speak in general.
To me, gossip is defined as vicious, cruel words that can possibly hurt another’s reputation. Conversation can be a dangerous thing, and can lead to bad habits. Some make the mistake by thinking that gossip is no big deal, but nothing could be further from the truth. Gossip is addicting. We can’t wait to hear the scoop on someone else. However, I try to picture myself as the hot topic of conversation. Then, it’s not so exciting. Galatians 6:7 states, “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked: for whatever a man sows, he also will reap.” Basically, what goes around comes around.
I should be guarding myself against unwholesome talk. In Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” A foul or rotten word in the form of gossip is totally out of character with my new life in Christ. My speech should be instructive, encouraging, uplifting, and suited for the moment. When it’s not, I need to put my tongue in check.
The tongue is one of the most destructive parts of my body. James 3:6 talks about how the tongue is like fire, possibly spreading and ruining everything in the surrounding premises. Gossip is a sin. The words stated permeate into the brain and can leave an emotional mark. The tongue’s evil can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in his sphere of influence. From personal experience, I have had to learn this the hard way. Instead of becoming part of the gossip, I have had to learn to walk away and not be a part of it. Character is a work in progress, though. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Sometimes my life feels like a reality TV show – alliances, gossip, intrigue, and lies. I often forget that gossip is a sin. In order to put Ephesians 4:29 into practice, I have had to start applying practical ways to keep myself from gossiping. Pausing before I speak is a big one. “Is what I’m going to say hurting someone?” If I feel any twinge of guilt, I have to learn not to say the words. It’s the Holy Spirit warning me not to gossip. Obeying him is the tough part. That’s when prayer comes in. I have been praying for discernment to know when to stay out of a situation, and when not to. Learning when to step in and stand firm for what I believe in, and when to let God handle people’s hearts without me can seem like a monumental goal. I have learned a lot in the process about how destructive the tongue can be, whether it is saying something hurtful to their face or behind someone’s back, it leaves bruises with that person that are hard to forgive. A verse that really struck me was Proverbs 26:22. It says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s most inmost parts.” That explains how hurtful gossip can be. Even though gossip is something a lot of people struggle with, it is one character trait that I don’t want attached to my name."