When I signed up for the World Race, I agreed to stay single for the duration of the journey. I promised to pursue an intimate a relationship with Jesus, not another man on this squad. I vowed to keep my focus on this race, and avoid distractions. I even signed a contract saying I would do so, as did the other racers on the field.
Yet, over and over again, I am being sucked into the toxic environment of gossip about who’s dating who, or who likes who.
People have approached me asking if I’ve heard a rumor about them dating someone on our squad. People have approached me asking if I like someone on our squad. Serious comments are made about “month 12” more than I care to admit.
Don’t get me a wrong. I’m all for a funny and pointless month 12 joke; but, since when is that our focus? Since when is the topic of relationships between racers more enticing than the topic of our relationship with Jesus?
We’re in the middle of month six, almost at the halfway point. I came on this race for more than one reason, but dating or gossip was not one of them. I came to serve and to love. I came to pursue Jesus, not to be pursued by another squadmate (not that that has happened).
When we make gossip/rumors our primary focus, we’re missing out on so much more. We’re degrading the way God made us. When we let that toxic conversation enter our daily lives, we’re creating less space to have a holy and spiritual conversation with God. If we’re pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus, we’re basically cheating on Him with the junk that comes out of our mouths.
I am so sick of hearing the rumors. I’m sick of having to defend my fellow teammates/squadmates because of a nasty rumor that’s going around about them.
Cut the crap. Empower each other. Love each other.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
-1 Corinthians 13:7
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.
–Ephesians 4:29
