Grace Community Christian Church

 

Archived Things Above

How to Kill a Church Quicker Than Anything (11/1/02)

Sticks & stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Do you remember saying that little ditty as a child? I do, but I must confess, I don't think I ever fully bought it!

Words can hurt, sometimes even more than physical injuries. The Bible is filled with warnings about the power of words & the need to weigh them carefully. James says we're all at risk here. He says man can tame virtually any animal, but the tongue just won't submit. He calls it "a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (Js. 3:8) Ouch! No wonder, then, that David prayed, "Take control of what I say, O Lord, & keep my lips sealed." (Ps. 141:3, NLT)

Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City, shares these thoughts about the impact of words (from his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire):


"About 20 years ago, I said something impromptu to the new members lined up across the front of the church. As we received them, the Holy Spirit prompted me to add, 'And now, I charge you that if you ever hear another member speak an unkind word of criticism against anyone - myself, an usher, a choir member, or anyone else - that you stop that person in mid-sentence & say, 'Excuse me - who hurt you? Who ignored you? Who slighted you? Was it Pastor Cymbala? Let's go to his office right now. He'll apologize to you, & then we'll pray together so God can restore peace to this body. But we won't let you talk critically about people who aren't present to defend themselves.'

"I'm serious about this. I want you to help resolve this kind of thing immediately. And know this: If you are ever the one doing the loose talking, we'll confront you.

"To this day, every time we receive new members, I say much the same thing. That's because I know what most easily destroys churches. It's not crack cocaine, government oppression, or even lack of funds. Rather it's gossip & slander that grieves the Holy Spirit."


Cutting someone off mid-criticism when the other party isn't present may be awkward & uncomfortable, but wouldn't you want someone to do it for you if it was you that was being talked about?!

I don't know about you, but it sure would make me think twice before I opened my mouth!

"When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you." (Eph. 4:29, NCV)


Jim Dewar --