Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 12, 1914

Editorial

By Editor

Gossip and Twaddle

How much precious time is spent by professed Christians in gossip and twaddle! How much time do you and I spend in this unprofitable way? It is so easy to fall into the habit! We spend a few moments with our friends. The latest neighborhood news is the first suggested topic of conversation. The human mind naturally loves the curious, the new, the sensational. It delights to hear of the idiosyncrasies, the peculiarities, the weaknesses of others. Without realizing the lapse of time or what may be involved to us or to others in such discussions, an hour is spent in gossip and chitchat and idle talk. Who is bettered as the result? Are we made stronger? Are our fellows helped in overcoming their weaknesses which we so glibly discuss?

How much better it would be for us to seek on every occasion to direct the conversation in helpful ways. If we cannot speak good of our fellows, it is certainly better not to speak ill of them. We can find common ground for the discussion of many topics that are helpful in their influence. The world today is confronted by great problems in every phase of its experience. Some of these we may profitably consider. The work of God has connected with it great questions which we may profitably talk over. Associated with the work of soul saving are questions of vital interest to every Christian. A little time on every occasion may profitably be spent in prayer. Let us seek to weed out of our lives the spirit of idle talk. Let us realize that we are accountable to God for the use of our time and for the employment of every talent.

God has made us capable of enjoyment. It is as appropriate for the adult as for the child to laugh at some pleasing incident which may arise in his experience, but it is quite another thing to deliberately spend time in joking and laughing, in foolishness and frivolity. The work of God today demands earnest and serious thought. Our soberness, however, should not be of that character that will lead us to moroseness. Let us avoid becoming soured or getting a grouch. As children of the great King it is our privilege to rejoice in the fact that our names are written in heaven; in the assurance of sins forgiven, and in our acceptance in the Beloved. It is for us to be happy, smiling, and joyful in God. But while in our Christian soberness we should avoid the counterfeit of bitterness and moroseness, in our joy and happiness we should also avoid the counterfeit of folly and silliness. Let us seek heaven’s ideal of Christian deportment rather than the world’s standard, which obtains in so many lives today. F. M. W.