He Said, She Said.

Were you ever a subject of a rumor? Did something ever get spread around about you like wildfire and you didn’t have the tools to put it out? The thing about rumors, gossip, and slander is that if the originator would have just asked you about it, you probably could have put a stop to it. It was probably something so minor that could have been cleared up in the matter of one conversation. Instead, people went around trying to solve your problems, trying to say what THEY would have done and what YOU should have done…when all they had to do was ask. They build up a case against you and sometimes even formulate a plan to fix you or your problem. Most of the time with gossip, it’s an issue you and one other person can work out between the two of you before God…if you’re willing.

That’s where Joshua 22 comes in. We had a special Sunday this week with baby dedications and a personal testimony so Joshua 22 will be spread out over two weeks. This week, God wants to deal with gossip and honor.

In chapter 22, the Reubens – the men/soldiers who fought for Israel – built up a monument in honor of God to remember all he had done for them. The Reubens were an honorable group of men with integrity, boldness, and good character but when the people of Israel heard word of this “altar” being built, they were furious! They assumed the Reubens built this altar to be a false God and the people of Israel were terrified of the consequences. The people of Israel built a case up against the soldiers and formulated a battle plan to take them out for what they’d done. When they arrived at the soldiers’ camp, the soldiers were submissive and asked them to search them (spiritually) and to discern if what they built was wrong. If it was, they asked the people of Israel to give them their due punishment. They said, “If building the altar was in rebellion or breach of faith against the Lord, do not spare us today.” (Joshua 22:22) They explained that the altar was “not for burnt offering, grain offering, or sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.” The people of Israel listened to their words and saw that it was good.

What lesson can we learn from this story? Don’t take up your offenses with an individual by venting to the people around you. If you are offended by someone, I encourage you to go directly to that person. I also encourage you to each pray before you speak and to reconcile through God. Honor one another by giving each other the benefit of the doubt - consider each others' character before you slander your brother in Christ. Try not to build up a case against that person and don’t assume anything until you’ve spoken to one another. The only thing you can assume is that everything you’ve heard is false information until you’ve heard it straight from the source. IF it turns out to be true, go before God in prayer and forgive each other. If you can’t work out your differences with each other, consult a spiritual authority, like your pastor or an elder, to help you work through your issue. Our differences can be used for good in the Kingdom of God.

Watch this video about honoring one another: "A Thought on Honoring"