By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15:1-5
What is your most valuable treasure? Is it cash? Property? Stocks or Bonds? Precious Metals? Crypto?
God tells us that our most valuable treasure is our reputation. We read in Proverbs 22:1, ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favor rather than silver and gold.’
Stable people do not steal their neighbour’s good name by making false reports. They don’t broadcast or insinuate untrue things about others. Nor do they listen to those who do (‘nor taketh up a reproach’).
Loving our neighbours as ourselves means that we don’t tell false stories behind someone’s back. Rather than harm people, stable people spend their lives seeking to help people.
Let’s be clear, speaking the truth, which we saw last time is a major quality of a stable believer, is not backbiting if it is done in love. There are times when a problem must be dealt with head on. Not to do so would be negligence. Jesus Christ was a faithful witness when He warned His disciples to beware of the Pharisees (Matthew 23). The house of Chloe talked to the Apostle Paul about the sin they were observing in their church family so that he could help them (1 Corinthians 1:11). Otherwise, how could a faithful shepherd warn his flock about dangerous wolves (Philippians 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:15)?
Stable people are not only careful with the reputation of people they know, but they are careful not to do them evil in any way.
Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Help me to bless them, set a good example for them, and protect their good name. When I do have to correct or warn, help me to speak the truth in love. I ask Your help that my tongue will build people. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.