Me and My Big Mouth!

During World War II the government realized that the majority of citizen-soldiers had no idea on how to conduct themselves to prevent inadvertent disclosure of important information to the enemy. Central to maintaining national security was the Office of War Information Drive to limit talk about the war in both public and private arenas of American life. Silence meant security.

As such, great emphasis was placed on educating servicemen and civilians about the need for secrecy concerning military matters and massive advertising campaigns were launched. In fact, the advertising campaign was so large that no other series of World War II posters portrayed such a recurring theme as this. It is from this era that the statement "Loose Lips Sink Ships" was born.

What are the effects of gossip? Think. Where does the enemy (Satan) get his information ? information that can put you, your family, friends or coworkers, adrift on an open sea: information that can damage relationships and cause you to lose even more, unless you personally, vigilantly, perform your duty by not gossiping?

Are we not in our own, local version, of "wartime" each and every day? Is not our Enemy, Satan who watches our every move and listens to our words in order to gather information that can be used against us, or used to influence our words or behavior that will pull us away from God's love and mercy? Although our daily lives may not contain all the horror or evil associated with wartime, the battle against good and evil, and how each of us chooses to act, and react, to this on a daily basis is similar.

Most of the time, our talk is a positive attribute. It helps us make friends quickly and helps other feel included in a group. But sometimes, we get so caught up in talking and "doing what comes naturally" that we forget to think before we open our mouths.

"The kindest word in all the is the unkind word, unsaid." -- Unknown

The Ten Commandments give us some basic rules on how to behave towards others. And the next to the last commandment, nine, is particularly important.

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:20

This commandment tells us not to tell lies about others which include anything that's even slightly untrue ? including half truths, exaggerations, stores that might be true, but you don't know for sure, or stores that are partially true. If you believe in the ninth commandment then you will find yourself refusing to pass on "juicy" information about anyone. Instead, you'll spread kind, encouraging and complimentary words.

"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." Proverbs 15:2

It is no surprise that God, who knows us, created us and loves us, takes such a clear and strong stand on gossip. He knows how easily trash talk (or gossip) can ruin another person's reputation, introduce mistrust or anger into relationships, encourage gossiper's to further embellish stories for more dramatic effect, and/or cause the gossiper to even sin further by being tempted to lie when confronted by someone with "Did you really say that about me?"

So, how do you know when you're hearing or spreading gossip vs. good news or truths? There are two questions you can ask yourself:

1. Is the news I have to share "approved" for sharing with others?

2. Would I want this news shared about me?

One thing you can be sure of, if you gossip, it WILL come back to you and will eventually haunt and hurt you as well. Let's not forget the Golden Rule that says: "Do unto others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12

If you have ever found, or find yourself, gossiping, then you're not alone. Don't despair, tear yourself down, or get discouraged. All you need to do is ask for God's help with prayer and Bible study, and introduce some strategies in your life to help you stop gossiping.

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Article written by: Michele Webb ? Author of "Help for Loose Lips." Michele's book is written from her own experience as an employee, manager and a member of her local Christian community, as well as Webmaster of an online store and website. For detailed information and a link to the entire eBook, visit her website at: http://www.ebooksnstuff.com/ebooks_Christia n.html

Email the Author at: support@ebooksnstuff.com

You are free to copy and use this article for your own eZine as long as it is not altered or modified in any way. The author would appreciate an email and weblink if you decide to use this article.

---

What Did I Do To Deserve This?

"You must have done something awful for this to happen... Read More

The United States of Europe is a Joke!

French & Dutch Reject EU Constitution & British Table It-We... Read More

Let Her Be Covered Part Three

Now, let's recall again the text: "Let her be covered."... Read More

The Stilling Of the Storm: In My View

Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25.In my view, the significance... Read More

The Rise And Fall Of Babylon

According to the Book of Revelations, the city of Babylon... Read More

Preachers In America Will Cause Americas Demise

American Preachers Are At The Forefront Of The Travesties Committed... Read More

The Purpose of Our Being

Most people think that there is a higher meaning for... Read More

Praying Church or Playing Church?

The western church is seen by the world as anything... Read More

Jesus Christ: The First, The Last, The Eternal

Luke 17:20-17:24 Jesus Christ. The First, The Last, The Eternal.... Read More

What is Love?

Now many confuse love with admiration and most commonly sexual... Read More

Thoughts on the Road to Emmaus

". . . their eyes were opened, and they recognized... Read More

The Afterlife and Scientology

AFTERLIFE: The 'Bardol Thodol' and 'Sidpa Thodol' of the Tibetan... Read More

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher

Now that we know God and Jesus want to release... Read More

Living Without Blueprints

Some people look at the biblical book of Revelation as... Read More

Bible and Kabbalah: The Hardening of Pharoahs Heart

There is continuous creation, out of the new ideas discovered... Read More

Pagan Religions Taught In Public Schools

In classrooms throughout the country, Judeo-Christian beliefs are often cast... Read More

The Coming War with Russia

The Coming World War III [with Russia]In my book, "The... Read More

Jesus is Lord: Lets Stop Usurping His Roles

In five words Paul enunciates the basic principle of the... Read More

Human Evolution Timeline: Bible Quote and Science

The human evolution timeline is found recorded in Bible quotes... Read More

Why More Priests Need To Train As Fighters (And Why We Dont See Many Boxers In Church)

"Therefore I do not run like a man... Read More

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death - But In Current Textbooks the Context of These Words is Deleted

Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of... Read More

Early Spring Cleaning

Has anyone noticed how fast 2004 is going? Hey, we... Read More

String of Pearls -- A Call for Intercessors

My wife had a vision recently of a string of... Read More

Falsehoods

There are many different church denominations in this year of... Read More

The Tsunami: A Wake-up Call

In looking back on the year that has just ended-a... Read More

Pomes II

Here are a few pomes that may encourage you to... Read More

Do You Know What It Takes To Crucify The Flesh?

The flesh is the part of us that resists our... Read More

What is God? Does Proof Exist?

Apology:I don't for a minute profess to know what God... Read More

The 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom

After the last bowl judgment is thrown by God the... Read More

Keep on Singing

The prisoners of Sing Sing, one of the most repressive,... Read More

Religion and Social Engineering - Part of an Introduction

Thomas Carlyle is just one of the interesting characters who... Read More

Biblical Hermeneutics ? Part 3

Instead of being passive consumers of Biblical commentary, we can... Read More

The Rapture of the Church

The Rapture of the Church will be the most startling... Read More