The Town Crier

In our little town of Salem, Indiana, we have a section of our paper called the Town Crier. People can call the paper and leave a message on their answering machine. The paper then transcribes these messages and there you have it - The Town Crier.

Great idea! People getting to express an opinion. The American way - freedom of speech. The problem is that there is anonymity. That means you can say what you want without any accountability. You can say what you want about anybody (there is some editorial done by the paper). That is our society.

Unfortunately, this mentality finds its way into many churches. We use the "well, I was told" or "someone came to me and said . . .", and we promote our ideas, agendas or events without accountability. This "secret informant" gives us the anonymity that we want, if ever there is fallout.

Whatever happened to going to the person and looking them in the eye? What happened to getting all the facts before we give the other guy down the road? It's easy to say what you think, when no one calls your hand. But God does. In Ephesians 4:29 Paul tells us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

I hate when Paul gets me right between the eyes. Be careful what you say for God is listening. Praise him and he will be proud.

Sid