Who Are They Talking About When You Are Not Around?

Well that's a fair question.  Can you answer it?  Well there is a good chance that it is you, and there is a good chance that it is not favorable.  Oh yes I said it..... it is most likely you and it is not favorable.

Why would I say this.... well I have been there and I have heard them talking.  I have been in groups and the comments are made.  I then look at the group of people and wonder why would they engage in that type of behavior?



These are groups of people that are suppose to know better.  People that are Christians, yet don't seem to miss an opportunity to full out slam someone else to others.

I had the opportunity to set in one of those situations recently and was really taken back by the comments that were made.

One comment was made about a previous staff member, and inferred that this staff member was some how single handedly responsible for a 20% decline in members.  In addition it was inferred that it would cause up to a 70% decrease in giving, for a period of time, as a result of him being dealt with.  I don't believe he is responsible for either, but if he was, why would someone take the time to defame or ridicule someone that has already been dealt with, I see little grace if any coming from these people.  It seems in very poor form to me.

This was then followed by a discussion about another staff member.  When a reasonable question was asked about this person.  The comment was made that the person didn't fit any where and just needed to go.  Wow again there seems to be no Christian connection with either of these situations.    The bible is very clear on how we are to interact with each other as Christians.  It seems to be all but forgotten.  I have been in the corporate world for 21 years and that sounds exactly what I hear in corporate meetings all the time.

At least one other member was made fun of and ridiculed because of where they thought he saw himself in the so called hierarchy of this institution.  It may very well be true but shouldn't we keep that to ourself.

Yes we are human and relationships are messy but to be honest knowing what was said about these people, how can I connect with any of them in this situation?  There is a pretty good chance that when I am not present that I am the one that is being talked about and it would not be favorable.  Same goes for you when your not present, no matter how much you think you are part of the group.

I saw one person show self restraint during that time, and for that I am grateful and can connect with that person.  Kudos to you for refusing to fall into the trap of derogatory character bashing in a group of people even if the question was asked I don't think it should be a license to take an unbiblical route.

James 3:9-10 (ESV)⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Luke 6:43-45 (ESV)⁴³ “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,
⁴⁴ for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
⁴⁵ The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

I am praying that unity will happen.  I pray for those that would choose to cause death to those that they speak hateful things about.  The bible says that words cause death or life

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Are you causing death to someone or are you causing life.  Think about it, I have......