TELL IT NOT IN GATH

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Fretwell@aol.com wrote:

>                TELL IT NOT IN GATH
>
> But David's plea was, "Don't tell family (National, State or Church) secrets
> or affairs out on the streets or public places.  The vernacular is:  "Don't
> hang out the dirty wash."  It's bad enough that WE have to look at it.  Let's
> not put it on display for others to see.
>
> "TELL IT NOT IN GATH."

When I first read this I saw an analogy to Clinton and I won't ask if that is your
aim. I do see this as a great teaching that should be followed all all the levels
you mentioned and is a very edifing post. A lady teaching at a sectional ladies
conferance told the crowd that "a woman's tongue has split more churches than any
other item". I thought this was strong words (a bit overstated I thought), but
gossip always brings the element of the extra item and soon the truth is lost in
the story. I think that "member's tongues" would be better used as both men and
women are prone ot tale-bearing.

An example of the possilbe pitfalls. I recently went through the split of a church
and often posted about it here, but I always was careful to never allow more than
generalities to come out, mostly just prayer requests about the situation. I
mentioned it here and never thought about the possiblity of who might eventually
find out. Well to make a long story short when we met the district board we where
asked about the postings "on the internet". Thank the Lord it was one of
couriosity and not for something I posted that I should not have. You just never
know where your comments will end up - we have over 200 subscribers and less than
30 account for the majority of the posts!

As a member of the Board of my Church, the ex-Sec/Treasurer and here lately in
working with the youth, I have seen details in church business (dealing with
saints) that is hard sometimes. These items are held in strict confindence within
the few that "have" to know. To allow assorted details out would have many
effects...none of which would edify the church, the saints of the church or the
parties involved. In fact. all they would be is items to tempt people to gossip
and place stumblig blocks in the path of those affected. There are things that
should be kept as private as possible, whether they are personal, church or other
items....there are those that need to know and those that might want to know. Tell
only the need to know - to the rest there is truth in the "ignorance is bliss"
concept.

BTW - in case you missed it, this a loooong AMEN post.

Lord Bless;
Bro. Bill Clifton