There is an epidemic in America. There is an epidemic in Fairfield Bay. It is the epidemic of Insinuations, Innuendos, Rumors, and Gossip. All these things when unchecked lead to slander, bullying, and ultimately harms people and communities. Invariably it creates disunity and hatred. Amazingly many who manifest such ungodly behavior claim to be the righteous ones proclaiming truth. When many times what they are saying is half truths, or blatantly nothing more than assumptions, claiming to the know the heart and motives of others. Even if what is being said is truth, it is done in a hateful, mean-spirited, vindictive, vicious, hateful manner, and then justified.
Facebook
In today's culture Facebook is the number one tool used by those who are the guilty parties of such ungodly behavior. Facebook has become the tool of hate by many. Sadly, many people who read what is stated on Facebook take it as truth when much of it is nothing more than assumptions, rumors, and false accusations.
“Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”, is a law of propaganda often attributed to the Nazi Joseph Goebbels. Among psychologists something like this is known as the "illusion of truth" effect. So, whoever speaks the loudest and the most on Facebook must be telling the truth. It is also the mindset of the End Justifies the Means. If I speak slanderous words it is okay because it is for the sake of ....
Unholy Alliances
One of the things that comes out of this is the creation of Unholy Alliances and an Us vs Them mindset. "If you do not agree with my assumptions, accusations, insinuations, you are an enemy, you support evil."
All of this is the character of Satan. Sadly, this ungodly behavior many times is being manifested by those who proclaim to be Christ Followers. They are practicing the deeds of darkness instead of the Fruit of the Spirit. They are cooperating with the devil in bringing disunity and hatred.
The Word of God
What does the Bible say about such behavior:
1 Timothy 5:13
At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.
2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.
Proverbs 11:13
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
Proverbs 20:19
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.
Proverbs 16:27-28
27 A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. 28 A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
Romans 1:28-31
28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
SOLUTION-PRAYER
Pray, Pray, Pray! But before praying, it needs to be understood that people are ultimately not our enemies, it is Satan and his demonic beings that are our enemies. They are behind what is taking place in Fairfield Bay and in America. Sadly, individuals can be influenced by demonic spirits, even Christians.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Pray that assumptions, insinuations, accusations, lies will be exposed for what they are. That truth wins out.
Pray that ulterior motives will be exposed. Pray that unholy alliances will be exposed.
Pray that those who proclaim the name of Jesus become convicted in regard to their ungodly behavior. Pray they will publicly repent since they have publicly sinned.
Pray for those who have been falsely accused. Pray that they will be vindicated. Pray for the healing of their wounded hearts.
Pray for those who are sharing truthful information for vindictive purposes and ulterior motives be exposed and they will repent.
Pray for truth and righteous to prevail in Fairfield Bay and in America.
STANDING IN THE GAP
Intercessory Prayer
Tuesdays, 4:45pm, Saturdays, 6:30pm
130 Village Pl, Suite 1-F, Fairfield Bay in Towne Center behind Village Market and next to ATV Encounters.
Call 1-866-WANTGOD, 1-866-926-8463, for details or to request prayer.