Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 – Don't eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip's about you and you'd rather not hear it? You've done that a few times, haven't you — said things behind someone's back you wouldn't say to his face? (MSG)

Years ago, I was on a summer placement in the backwoods of Nova Scotia, Canada. Believe it or not, the phones were the old crank style and, more amazing, connected everyone in the community so that any and all could listen. No conversation could be considered private. While there, I received a call informing me of my uncle's death. For the next week, I was offered condolences from almost every member of my small community, even though I had not shared that information with anyone!

Party line! Listening in was quite a pastime for many. People tend to speak more guardedly when they know that their conversation is being overheard. This event actually saved me many embarrassing moments for the rest of the summer, as I was aware that every word spoken would be heard throughout the community.

Now, fast forward twenty years to the decade that I spent being a "party liner" as a reporter for the CBC Radio show Information Morning in Nova Scotia. I shared news and information about our community to any and all who were listening, knowing that my words would be repeated over and over by early morning listeners to those who had missed it. I was often "the talk of the town", and that was exactly what I wanted.

People listened in on Jesus as He shared the message of God's love. Sometimes, He was simply talking to His disciples privately — or maybe not so privately — and He would make things plain to them.

Mark 4:33-34 – With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots. (MSG)

Jesus used stories as the vehicle to spread His message.

Mark 5:19b-20 – "Go home to your own people. Tell them your story — what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town. (MSG)

There are times when gossip can be embarrassing, as when I received that call many years ago. There are other times, as when I was a "party liner", that the story is meant to be shared far and wide.

We have a story to tell, and we hope that others will be listening in! "I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love." (Katherine Hankey)

Prayer: God, help us to be sensitive to the need for privacy, but also help us to realize that the gospel is always personal, but never private. Help us to share the good news wherever we go. Amen.

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About the author:

Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada
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