Christian Cannibalism
Related Categories: Simply Christmas,Gossip
A friend and I caught up while her children stood nearby. She mentioned how much she loved the leadership of an organization we both supported. I hesitated and then said, "You haven't heard?" My friend's children perked up when their mother responded, "Oh please, nothing bad has happened, has it?" Something (perhaps Someone) said to my spirit, "Sharon, don't do it!" But I ignored that warning 
and using code words informed my friend of damaging information, rationalizing that what I said was public so I wasn't gossiping. I finished my report with the words, "Please just really pray for everyone."
As the God-side of me stood silently, the flesh side argued, "I haven't done anything wrong. It was public, she would have found out eventually."
By the time I arrived at home, I had asked God to forgive me for not only sharing negative information about another person but my horrible example to these covenant children and their young mother. I hoped that my coded message did not filter into their minds and hearts. I emailed an apology to my friend and asked her to forgive me. It may have been ok for someone else to tell her the public details, but I knew God wanted me to be quiet. One of my "bucket list" goals for 2009 has been to think the best and refuse to believe the worst without absolute evidence of wrong-doing. I want this kind of thinking to be second nature rather than a struggle. God used this conversation to take me to a deeper level in making myself a safe place for the struggles and secrets of friends and family. I'm hoping my friend will recognize my heart for protecting her as well.
I remembered this lesson when I read a blog by Karen Casey Arneson called Cannibals in Christendom. You might wonder what this topic has to do with simplifying Christmas. Stress from holiday preparation can weaken our resolve to reflect Christ in our conversations and interaction with friends, co-workers and family members. Let Karen's comments sink into your soul and ask God to use them to equip you for opportunities to protect the integrity of your relationships. Applying these truths will help keep the channels of your heart cleansed so that you are more aware of the way the birth of Jesus redeems our sinful hearts and gives us a taste for sweet, pure conversations instead of the rotten stench of gossip.
November 13, 2009
I come from a long line of cannibals. My ancestors loved to chew up (and sometimes spit out) people. Mine was a particularly heinous group that made no distinction between "them" and "us." Members of our own family were just as likely to fall victim as were others. Imagine the tensions that arose when we gathered--each one wondering who might be served up next. In their defense, my family lived in darkness. Then, the frigid winter I turned 10, one brilliant, fiery flame warmed within me the hope of a different way of living--of turning away from snarling, biting, and chewing to embracing others. I became like Edward Cullen of Twilight fame, recognizing my evil heritage, engaged in a struggle with the nature of my flesh.
Unfortunately, the flame was quenched that had begun to glow within me. With no one to add the kindling of truth to the sputtering spark within, the ember grew cold. Broken bonds, wicked words, and shattered souls littered the path of my life, until one day it all became more than I could bear alone. Tired and out of fight, I found myself knocking on the door of Christendom. Surely I would find refuge there! http://blog.kyria.com/giftedforleadership/2009/11/cannibals_in_christendom.html
In His grip,
Sharon
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Ok, so when I started this journey, I expected to identify specific sins so that I could conquer each one within the next 4 weeks. Instead, God is using David's anguished repentance to teach me how to grow deeper in love with Jesus and see that love flow through my every day life.
