My husband pastored a church that was greatly gifted in the skill of gossip. Yes, you read it right. It was truly an epidemic with this particular group. Truth about others was so distorted and such a habit that they believed their own lies. The “sickness” was so bad and they had lived with it so long, they didn’t even know they were sick! 

After a few sermons on this issue, a perturbed man walked into his office Monday morning and declared, “What I’m about to tell you about a person, I know is true, so it isn’t gossip! Is it?” It was the tone of voice that prompted my wise husband to say, “Is that person here in this room ready to hear it, too?” The man turned on his heel and quickly walked out in a huff. The man had no basis for his “truth”.

Eugene Peterson boldly expresses Paul’s words of warning to Timothy about this epidemic of power, money and greed, the things that humans use to “get ahead” in this world but has no place in God’s church.

“These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.” 1 Timothy 6, Msg

On the other hand…Paul speaks of the “upside down kingdom” that Jesus taught us all to live…

“A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.” I Timothy 6, Msg

“But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust of money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” 
1 Timothy 6, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, These words are powerful, convicting and precious to our spiritual health as leaders serving others who seek you and want to grow up in you. Help us, Lord to avoid this epidemic that seems to be prevalent in your church at times. Heal Your church, Lord, heal Your church. Begin with me. Help me to be myself, my honest self before You.
I want what You want, for You have put Your desires in my heart. Help us to keep it simple…with complete focus on You. In Jesus Name, Amen.