HOW RUMOURS GET STARTED
- Ron Bainbridge
- Dec 4, 2019
- 2 min read
Today’s Message of Encouragement from Discovering A BETTER LIFE MINISTRIES
(Stories of Real People, Real Events, Real Places) Is dedicated to HELPING Men and Women Find HOPE
THROUGH SHARING GOD’S GRACE and LOVE
(Ron Bainbridge Editor) (December 4th, 2019)
HOW RUMOURS GET STARTED
Friend, the story is told of a Colonel who issued the following statement to his executive secretary: “Tomorrow evening at approximately 2000 hours Haley’s Comet will be visible in this area, an event that occurs only once every 75 years. Have the men parade in fatigues, and I will explain this rare phenomenon to them. In case of rain, we will not be able to see anything, so assemble the men in the theatre and I will show them films of it.”
The executive secretary passed the order on to the company commander: “By order of the Colonel, tomorrow at 2000 hours, Haley’s Comet will appear above the battalion area. If it rains, parade the men in fatigues, then march to the theatre where the rare phenomenon will take place, something which happens only once every 75 years.”
The company commander passed the order on to the lieutenant: “By order of the Colonel in fatigues at 2000 hours tomorrow evening, the phenomenal Haley’s Comet will appear in the theatre. In case of rain in the battalion area, the Colonel will give another order, something which happens once every 75 years.”
The lieutenant told the sergeant: “Tomorrow at 2000 hours, the Colonel in fatigues will appear in the theatre with the phenomenal Haley’s Comet, something that happens every 75 years. If it rains, the Colonel will order the comet into the battalion area.”
The sergeant gave the following orders to the squad: “When it rains tomorrow at 2000 hours, the phenomenal 75-year-old General Haley, accompanied by the Colonel, will drive his Comet through the battalion area in fatigues.”
Friend, as you think about this story I’ve just shared with you, I think it would be true to say unfortunately, that many rumours get started in much the same way, because, what often begins as an innocent statement can quickly transform into an ugly lie after being passed along by several “well-meaning” people. That’s why the scriptures warn so strongly about the sin of gossip. Just consider what Solomon said in Proverbs 26:20-22:
“Without wood, a fire will go out, and without gossip, quarrelling will stop. Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going. The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food; people like to gobble them up.”
Friend, the danger of gossip is multiplied by the fact that you have absolutely no control over words after they leave your lips.
Therefore, if you or someone you know needs help in regard to controlling gossip, we encourage you to write to Discovering A BETTER LIFE for our two small complimentary booklets titled “TONGUE CONTROL” and “The Power of Your Words.” You may address your request to: P.O. Box 1540, Albany, WA 6331. You may phone us on: (08) 98 418 418.
Or Email us at: abl-alb@omninet.net.au
“So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to
Sell the family parrot to the town gossip.”
(Will Rogers)
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With a Friend, a Loved, one or a Co-worker!
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