The Lord’s brother warned us about the problem of incongruity in speech. With the same tongue we praise God, in a service of worship, and we also curse those who are made in God’s likeness — whether in traffic, or in family irritations, or in self-righteousness censure.
Gossip during the week is inconsistent with what we do in the service of worship. Gossip before and after the service is inconsistent as well.
But take care. This gossip that is to be avoided is simply chatter that involves the reputations of others. Gossip is not occurring when the saints are talking about a problem which they intend to see through to a resolution. Gossip is not occurring when someone reports on a public service incompetently rendered. Gossip is not occurring when members of the congregation notice someone is not keeping vows made publicly at his children’s baptism.
But a critical, harping spirit is inconsistent with what we are seeking to accomplish in worship here. Take care that you are heeding that great Pauline principle, which is that of staying off your brother’s case.
If you come to worship with your lips censoriously pursed — at anyone — then you are in no condition to sing, pray, or take the Lord’s Supper. So guard your heart; guard your mouth.