One of my dearest friends is a fire chief, and for a number of years, we would go to Mammoth Lakes at the end of summer. We stayed in a beautiful condominium on the base of the ski slope for two of those years, and I still remember his informative explanation of the pipes, valves and safeguards that were built into the development. It was eye-opening how much he knew about putting out the fire as quickly as possible, as certainly, each moment would increase the chance of saving someone’s home and life. He only shared with us a snippet of his knowledge on the subject, yet it was apparent to me how much firemen have learned about putting out fires from an experiential perspective.
It is amazing how quickly a fire can devastate an area from the moment it begins. While there is a science to putting out a forest fire, if the fire runs out of combustible material, it goes out. It’s not a new science, as even King Solomon was aware of that:
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 26:20-21
Being that we are not perfected when we become Christians, gossip is a stumbling block for all of us at times. Gossip is any language that does not edify, or build up, the person we are talking about. Truthfully, most of us rationalize our discussions, thinking that we are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Even the conversations that begin with the right intent can quickly turn into gossip with the slightest misstep.
8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
James 3:8-11
When we get hurt, or when that pain affects our close friends and family, we seem to have the need to talk it out. That’s exactly what God wants us to do, with one stipulation. Talk it out with Him instead! He is the solution to the problem. If you have been hurt, He is the Healer. If you have been wronged, He is the truth. God will set you free. Sometimes it takes time, but the solution always occurs perfectly in God’s time. Otherwise, the words you speak perpetuate the forest fire, and that fire continues to burn and destroy all in its path.
A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
Proverbs 16:28
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