We are obsessed with watching others. Not just watching , we love to see them fall , to witness the self destructive life styles they lead that leads them to fall apart. Most entertainment programs are not about movies or music but primarily they focus on the dirt , the scandal. The paparazzi are likes hounds after blood .It is a sickening sight to watch .
Christians should have no part in this world of salacious news. To gobble up this diet of gossip and glee over others sins.
[29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
(Romans 1:29 ESV)
Paul lists gossip in a long list of sins that are vile before a holy God . What are we doing when we sit in front of a show that is full of half truths and misinformation . Gossip is usually always sprinkled with enough to truth to make it palatable .Often times when all sides of a story comes to the forefront , we realize how much innuendo was in the original report.
Then the other side to this strange entanglement is almost a feeling of moral superiority in watching others fall apart. Recently a young actress who has had her share of failures was ordered to be confined to jail for a period of 90 days. Now I'm not trying to say this young women doesn't warrant this time , she did apparently breach her probation but as she wept , I wondered how many looked on with a sense of glee . Taking macabre pleasure in anothers moral failures.
[6:1] Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. [2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
(Galatians 6:1-3 ESV)
Paul speaking to Christians , exhorts them be gentle in trying to restore one caught in sin and not to have a smug attitude . The warning could be summed up by saying , there by the grace of God ,go I. But we even see this within the Church . Obviously it must be something we need to be aware of ,or God's word would not have warned us of this.
We take way too much pleasure in watching others fall. As I often watch the vultures gather , I recall how Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery . How he masterfully handled her accusers and then with a firm , but gentle heart forgave her and told her to go and sin no more .
May we rethink what we watch and how we react when we hear of those broken by sin . May we pray for them , hoping God in His providence brings a Christian into their midst and proclaim the meryc and grace of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 comment:
I agree with you, Hon. It's sick. The last 2 public scandals, of adultery, are a case in point. One a sports star and the other a movie star's husband. People acted so morally superior but in God's eyes lusting in your heart is the exact same thing. As a hairstylist, Hollywood is a big influence on hair and fashion. So, sometimes I watch the "Entertainment" shows. When both of these were reported (speculated) about on these shows, I'd turn the channel. It got to the point that I was only watching the commercials. I just felt like I was part of the audience at the ancient Roman Coliseum. Bring out the lions. So, now I read my Instyle magazine and get the new looks from there. I like that it doesn't have mean gossip in it. I'm not making excuses, but what business is it of yours? They didn't sin against you but against God and their wife. These people have families you know. How would you feel if it was a member of your family who couldn't even walk down the street. One man was trying to take his daughter to Elementary school. How would you feel if it was your Dad? Would you like a camera focused on your life 24/7? How would we fair? Actually, God has His eyes even more focused on you. Remember, "Man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart." Some day we stand before a righteous God with nowhere to hide. Unless we are covered by Christ's redeeming work on the cross, we have to answer for it. When you're talking about someone else, picture them standing there. Also, try to remember that maybe someone in the group can't wait to repeat what you said. Sometimes I slip up and most bend the knee before the throne of Grace in prayer. But, gossip is hurtful to others and to yourself. Being a minister's daughter, I know all to well of what I speak. Just remember to exam your motivations before you open your big mouth. Thanks for the blog, Hon. It's a good one to think about. Love you, Mrs Reg
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