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The Dangers of Gossip And Why We Should Avoid It

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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The Dangers of Gossip And Why We Should Avoid It

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We are inundated with multiple streams of information about the lives of people we do not know. Gossip pages are popular for sharing intimate secrets on a celebrity and we are right there to take it all in. We have become accustomed to gossip as normative conversation and forgotten the dangers it ensues. Why are we so interested in this type of information and what is the allure of gossip that draws us in?

The allure of gossip

The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up”.

Proverbs 18:8

Even as Christians, we regularly entertain gossip because we like to be ‘in the know’. In having the latest information on the happenings around us and being knowledgeable about people’s business despite not knowing them personally. Whilst we may not consider ourselves gossips, in general, we have to be mindful about what we do with the information we encounter. The habit of gossiping can easily develop from idle conversations about seemingly unimportant issues.

Furthermore, we must be careful about the words we speak because of the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). In James 3:5, the tongue is described as “a fire” that once sparked can be as destructive as a forest set ablaze. A fire that can corrupt the whole body and influence the course of one’s life (vs. 6). We are warned about the “untameable tongue”:

but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison

James 3:8

There are no positives to gossip. With the power of an untamed tongue, how much more dangerous are the words of a gossip when ignited. Once the fire of gossip starts, it is hard to put out. Gossip is damaging to reputations and character. 

Warnings on gossip

It is true that not all sparks start fires, so not every conversation or discussion about another person leads to gossip. However, we need to recognise the conversations that have the potential to turn into gossip and know how to deal with the difference. A few verses in the bible that can help, as they display the actions of a gossip, are found in Proverbs:

A gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret

Proverbs 11:13

Gossip happens behind backs, in secret and whisperers; it is not an in front confrontation on an issue. If the topic is centred around a person that is not an active participant in the discussion, it could be gossip.

A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community

Proverbs 6:19

Gossip is typically rooted in lies, falsified narratives and false witnesses. If the stories being shared have not been confirmed as true, it could be gossip.

A twisted person spreads rumours; a whispering gossip ruins good friendships

Proverbs 16:28

Gossip is hurtful, filled with malice, wicked intent and slander. If the words used are negative, insulting or degrading another person, it could be gossip.

The bible counsels against such things (Col. 3:8, 1 Pet. 2:1, Eph. 4:31) and as we have become new in Christ, we should “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This involves a continuous renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2) and an active decision to move away from gossip.

Dealing with gossip

It is tempting to engage in gossip or innocently enter conversations that turn into gossip. However, we are warned multiple times in the Bible about this type of behaviour. We must make a conscious effort to avoid slanderous talk, malicious words and those who participate in these types of interactions. Here are a few ways to do so:

Change the conversation – Oftentimes, we can be in normal conversations only for it to take a turn towards gossip. In those moments, we can quickly steer the topic in a different direction with a new edifying focus.

Express your discomfort – Nevertheless, when your attempts at new topics have faltered, it could be time to express your concerns, especially amongst friends. A simple “I do not feel comfortable talking about this” should help to send across your message. 

Walk away from the conversation – Ultimately, if you can see that no good will come of the conversation, simply walk away from it. Whether this is physically, walking away in real life, or virtually, by exiting the chat, closing the app or unfollowing the people. We need to have a firm stance that displays ‘we will not engage’.

Primarily, we are called to love our neighbour as ourselves and gossip does not reflect that. It should have no place in our conversations. We should use our conversations to edify and in sharing the good news, not gossip.

Why Returning to ‘Normal’ Isn’t Something We Should Strive For

Shumi Mararike
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Why Returning to ‘Normal’ Isn’t Something We Should Strive For

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If you have ever travelled to Morden or Oval Tube Station in London, you may have come across a noticeboard with the “Thought of the Day”. The best of these are wise and practical, putting a spring in your step as you continue your journey. Take 23rd January 2021 for example:

“In the rush to get back to normal, use this time to decide which parts of normal are worth getting back to”

So then, what “normal” do you want to return to? Here are some suggestions based on valuable lessons learned during lockdown.

Balance business with rest

The Bible has piercing words for the lazy person. They are described as “slothful”, (Proverbs 12:24), “sluggards” (Proverbs 6:6) and people destined for poverty (Proverbs 10:4; 14:23; 21:5). There is no excuse for laziness, but some of us work excessively to the detriment of our well-being. God cares about our spiritual and physical health – so should we. God set the template for us at the end of His creative work (Genesis 2:2). This was not a time of rejuvenation, but cessation of work to mark the completion of His good creation (Genesis 1:31). Unlike God, we grow tired. In the Sabbath, He has made provision to overcome fatigue, but ultimately point toward the rest we can find for our souls in the completion of Christ’s redemptive work. This alleviates us from our strivings to attain God’s favour through our works and rest in the finished work of Christ.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

(Exodus 20:8-11)

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

(Hebrews 4:9-10)

Checking in on others

The isolation of lockdown can cause our loved ones to be consumed by their negative thoughts and driven into despair. Checking in on their well-being has become all the more vital.  Never under-estimate the impact of your presence and a listening ear via phone call. A simple text message of encouragement can lift their spirit in ways that you may not foresee. Show them that they are loved, be your brother’s keeper. We must not merely be reactive to the latest mental health hashtags and campaigns. This is our civic duty as followers of Christ, selflessly loving others. Go out of your way to serve them and meet their needs habitually.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.

(Proverbs 12:25)

Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

(Proverbs 16:24)

The greatest among you will be your servant.

(Matthew 23:11)

Valuing physical fellowship

“Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone.” These lyrics from a Joni Mitchell song, later sampled by Janet Jackson, seem to accurately depict our attitude toward public worship over the past year. The intermittent opening and closing of church has deprived us of the privilege of public worship. Pastors and congregations long to reconvene and attentively sit under the passionate preaching of God’s Word. Voices singing praises unto God in chorus. All this is possible online, but physical gatherings are a more glorious demonstration of the oneness of the church. We best grow and experience the love of Christ amidst the vibrancy of physical fellowship and a shared life in the church. The time for spectatorship at church is over. If there was ever a period to be committed to the life of the local church, it would be post- lockdown. This is a marker of our devotion to God and His people.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

(Acts 2:42)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

(Hebrews 10:24-25)

Lockdown is drawing to a close; how will your respond? Will you retreat to harmful practices toward others and self? Will you revert to a low view of public worship? God forbid! Let us draw from what we have learned during this season to make the post- lockdown normal one worth returning to.

How To Restore Your Joy In The Lord

Ayo Stephen
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How To Restore Your Joy In The Lord

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There are times in our Christian journey where it is difficult to pray, pick up our Bible or even fellowship with one another. Times where it is difficult to continue the race. Times where we forget the why behind what we’re doing; losing our love and joy in the Lord. Here are some tips that can help you restore your joy in the Lord.

Cast everything on Him

Cast your anxieties on me for I care for you

1 Peter 5:7

Prayer is not just a one time formal meeting with God where you ask for protection and forgiveness. Prayer is a thing we constantly do without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to commune with the Father. It should be like the food we eat and the water we drink. However, prayer can be difficult to do at times, and this is a pitfall that faces us all. During your day try as much as you can just to talk to the Lord. Even though it may seem weird, just talk to Him- either whilst washing dishes, or whilst taking a walk. Just talk to the Lord and tell Him everything. Whether the reason for this down period is a burdened heart, laziness or otherwise, talking to the Lord, who is always there to listen, can help.

At times it may be difficult to do so, I recommend perhaps setting the mood by playing your favourite gospel track or watching your favourite sermon. This can help us remember who God is in our lives, what He has done and why He is our joy.

Engage with your community

Talking with someone you trust can help you navigate things you’re going through. It is important for us to remember that God did not bring us on this Christian walk to be alone, but to exist in unity with the ‘body of Christ.’ Thus it is important for us to engage with this community. As this may be difficult in lockdown, a simple face-time or zoom call to ensure that engagement should suffice. If you struggle with this, OGGM has a weekly ‘Head’s Up’ fellowship that you can be apart of, with members who are always here for you to talk whenever possible.* This may be an individual race, however with the help of Christ and the community He has given us, we can efficiently run this race with Him as our joy in mind.

Do not condemn yourself

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit

Romans 8:1

God knew that times like these would come – that’s why He highlighted that there is no condemnation for those that are in Him. No matter how the devil may try to condemn you or encourage self-condemnation, it is important to hold firm to God’s Word. Of course, this should not be a license to stray away from Him when we want to, but rather it should be a reminder of his grace over us. We should remember that no matter what hardship we’re going through, He is there with us. So when we struggle to see the joy in Him, let’s not punish ourselves. This is what the devil wants, to ensure we forget about Christ and his grace over us.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Lastly, what do you do when you want to remember how much you love someone? For most of us, we try and remember the good things that said person has done for us. We can apply that same logic to this situation. If we want to remember why we love Christ so much, we should try and reminisce on what He did on the cross for us. He came down to earth, lived a life of obedience and died for us, so that we can be made righteous in the eyes of God. Before this, we were destined for death, but because God was all-loving and merciful, we have been saved. Ponder on these thoughts, keeping in mind that your hope is in Christ and the place in eternity that He is preparing for you. Christ in his own words promises this to you;

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

John 14:3

A place with no tears, death or suffering (Revelations 21:4) and I pray that Christ will help you find that joy in Him, and remain there.

*If you would like to talk to someone or get involved with Heads Up fellowship email us at contact@ourgodgivenmission.com.

4 Great Women In The Bible

M.T. Omoniyi
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4 Great Women In The Bible

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Women play a powerful role in God’s story of redemption throughout Scripture. Whether it’s International Women’s Day or not, this is an important fact that more Christians should know and celebrate.

Here are 5 who we should celebrate more and whose example you can follow in.

Hannah

Hannah was initially childless, and prayed desperately for a son.

She made a promise to God that if he permitted her to bear a son, she would devote him to God, this was a promise she was intent on keeping.

When God fulfilled this request, she faithfully kept her word. She left her son, Samuel, to be raised in the temple of the Lord while continuing to provide him guidance and mentorship along the way.

The book of 1 Samuel introduces us to Hannah. On top of her womb being closed, her husband’s second wife did have children and used it to provoke her rival in marriage. Understandably distressed, Hannah prayed for a son, promising to return him to the Lord for His sovereign purposes. In God’s providence, He answered Hannah’s prayer through the birth of Samuel, whom He anointed to become a prophet, priest, and judge in Israel.

Do you pray with confidence that God hears and desires to answer your prayers according to His good purposes for your life? Are you praying with a surrendered spirit, ready to relinquish the gifts He gives for the glory of His name?  This is an example to follow because of how Hannah drew close to God. She also offered something she has long desired back to God confirming that her most prized possession was always Him. Because Hannah’s love for God exceeded her love for His gifts, she is an example worth following.

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth

1 Sam. 2:10

Deborah

Deborah played a very unique role in Israel’s history, serving as the only female judge in a lawless period before the country got its first king. In this male-dominated culture, she enlisted the help of a mighty warrior named Barak to defeat the oppressive General Sisera.

Deborah’s wisdom and faith in God inspired the people. Thanks to her leadership, Israel enjoyed peace for 40 years.

After Moses led Israel out of the land of Egypt and Joshua had led Israel into the land promised to Abraham to conquer the Canaanites, Israel fell into cycles of disobedience that prompted God’s wrath to fall on Israel in the form of slavery to the Canaanites.

In this time, God raised up judges to redeem Israel from political slavery and give them an opportunity to repent. Israel often did repent for a single generation, but fell back into idolatry and disobedience, prompting once again God’s wrath.

“Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. But because of the course you are taking, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman

Judges 4:9

Esther

Esther was a persecuted citizen of Israel under Persian reign.

In the 7th–6th century BC, Esther was chosen out of the women of Israel to be part of the harem of King Xerxes. She used her political influence to destroy the antisemitic actors who sought to destroy the Jews in Persia, and through her faithfulness, established the Jewish festival of Purim. She was thereafter chosen by Xerxes to be his queen, and she ruled Israel as a Jewish queen of a Gentile nation.

Like Deborah a thousand years earlier, Esther saved Israel from the consequences of its own spiritual folly and established a safe place for Jews to worship in the land. It was on this basis that Judaism was allowed to flourish under Greek and Roman rule in the centuries to come, and it was because of Esther that the ministry of Jesus was able to thrive freely and openly in a public society.

A young Jewish girl living among the exiles in Persia found herself queen of the empire when a plot was revealed to destroy all the Jews. Esther was the woman God had prepared “for such a time as this” to save his covenant people (Esther 4:14). Aware that going uninvited before the king could cost her her life, Esther went to plead for the life of her people.

Just as God used one woman’s courage to be an instrument of salvation for His people, He still uses women today who are willing to proclaim His name. Esther reminds us to count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord (Philippians 3:8). The days ahead may give us even greater opportunities to follow her example.

Priscilla

Priscilla was a powerful church leader in the book of Acts.

She and her husband, Aquila, led the church in maintaining theological purity, love for the poor, and mentorship of young, charismatic leaders such Apollos, who were still figuring out how Jesus fit into God’s story of redemption.

Priscilla represents God’s counter-cultural insistence upon the dignity of women in church leadership and the power He plans to accomplish through them to revolutionise what it means to belong in the people of God and what women can do to lead by example in faithfulness and hospitality.

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately

Acts 18:26

These strong women in the Bible held the line of faithfulness when many men in Israel were satisfied to capitulate to the paganism of Canaan, Persia, and Greece.

These women represent not only the kind of bravery to which all Christians are called to in the face of suffering, but represent a uniquely powerful purpose which God has designated for women to achieve.

How do you combat the feeling of loneliness during lockdown?

On Mission
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How do you combat the feeling of loneliness during lockdown?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has made it harder to be with others. Contact with family and friends continues to be limited, and with social and leisure activities are restricted, for many of us, the last year has been one marked with feelings of loneliness. So what hope does the Bible give for those who may feel this way?

Join the discussion online by using the hashtag #ThePulsePodcast. 

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How To Be Your Brothers Keeper

Tobi Oludipe
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How To Be Your Brothers Keeper

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Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel. We know that in the end Cain commits a senseless act and kills his brother. Before that, however, we see God ask Cain about Abel saying ‘Where is your brother Abel?’(Genesis 4:9) Now, God already knew what Cain had done to Abel. However in questioning Cain about his whereabouts implied that He had ascribed to Cain a level of brotherly responsibility. God wanted Cain to be able to account for his brother and that speaks volumes to the relationship God wants us to have with our brother and sisters on earth today.  There is no question to how important brotherly love is to God:

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

John 4:20

In a world of social media, it is easy to be deluded into thinking that people do not need a brother or sister to show them care and affection. That people have it altogether and are completely fine. This is not always the case. The global pandemic has left a left a lot of people feeling cut off and isolated – more than ever people are in need of brotherly love.

These are three ways to be your brother’s keeper;

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love

Sometimes we think honour is exclusive to certain people. We are quick to honour our favourite celebrities and people we look up to but how often do we honour the people around us. This could mean buying a gift, sharing a compliment, paying a visit etc. The Bible instructs us to outdo each other in showing honour (Romans 10:12) meaning we should be proactively seeking to honour the people within the body of Christ, no matter the type of relationship we have with them. The word devotion also instructs an intentionality and persistence in caring, loving and honouring one another.

Let your love be genuine

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind

Peter 3:8

Brotherly love is central to being your brother’s keeper but if that love is not coming from the right place it will bear no fruit. The Bible instructs us to let our love be genuine. (Romans 12:9) Peter describes the type of attitude Christians should have for one another and perfectly directs us in what is needed to genuinely love. A humble mind to serve your friend, sympathy for conflict resolutions, unity of mind for understanding and a tender heart to maintain the friendship and love in all seasons.

A desire to serve

The purpose of service is so that God can reach others through our hands. Jesus is the ultimate example as we see Jesus lay down His whole life in service to us.

Through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

Constantly looking out for how we can serve one another and be of help is key. The silent cries for help must be acknowledged even when they are not directly aimed at us. In order to acknowledge this requires being less focused on self and actively focusing on others.

God is looking for those who will take up the burden of caring for others. A relevant quote states; ‘people are either giving love or crying out for it.’ Therefore it is important that we attempt to avail ourselves for others, being our brother’s keeper just as our Saviour has made himself readily available for us and kept us through and in His everlasting love. (John 3:16)

A Warning Against Partiality

Ayo Stephen
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A Warning Against Partiality

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As a young Christian, I have observed a pattern within the modern Church where Christians can be extremely partial in whom they follow, acknowledge, support and praise according to popularity or social standing. Partiality is a dangerous sin that is warned against many times in the Bible. It breeds cliques and creates subconscious hierarchies. In this article, I will be referring to the Book of James to explore more about what the Bible says on partiality.

Jesus was not partial

have you not then made distinctions amongst yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:4

The basis of the Christian faith lies in the existence of Jesus and His show of love for us, despite our sin (John 3:16). To truly understand this ultimate display, we must first come to terms with the fact that He died for us whilst we were still sinners (Romans 3:23). We must understand that whilst we were still sinners, He granted us a way out of what seemed to be inescapable (Romas 5:8). He is just and impartial, that is why He offered salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16) through the gift of faith (Eph 2:8-10), creating a body of belivers who are all in the same standing, called to one faith.

Partiality is such a dangerous sin, especially because it can be difficult for us as young Christians to notice it. James 2 describes a scenario where discrimination is shown towards a poor man in comparison to a rich man. It ends with verse 4 saying “have you not then made distinctions amongst yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” See, partiality leads to unnecessary divergence, even though we are all called to be one body. Based on charisma, popularity, even physical appearance – the list could go on – young Christians can get caught in the trap of following one group over another, based on shallow metrics. This can further lead to blinding young Christians with a word that may not be necessarily scriptural. Christ loves us all irrespective of where we stood in sin. We should aim to follow these steps, removing partiality from the Church and treating everyone equally despite our biases.

A warning against partiality

Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:13

A problem with partiality is it causes us to assume judgment over people in the Church. Partiality forces a judgment on people, creating a system only inclusive to “popular” believers, or believers who are perceived to be of a high moral standard. We are warned against this in the Bible – that if we judge without mercy, the same would be shown unto us. Additionally, the hierarchy automatically assumes us as judges and acts to lessen the work Christ did on the Cross for all, despite our state. If Christ judged us all the same, then we should strive to humble ourselves in our behaviour towards members of the Church body.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

James 2:8

How would you feel if partiality was shown towards you? Would it pull you closer to Christ or deter you from Christ? Partiality is not edifying to the body of Christ nor does it promote the Christian message of inclusivity, “a body with many parts”, “loving thy neighbour”. We must shift out of our bias and move towards embracing everyone within the body, in the same way, Christ embraced us and still continues to embrace us.

Biblical Optimism

On Mission
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Biblical Optimism

What kind of organisation is Atheism: a non-prophet organisation.

Optimism is “the tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.” 

Optimists usually feel that “good things” will happen in the future or that what they hope and dream for will happen. By nature, most people tend toward either optimism or pessimism, regardless of their relationship with God.

Everyone’s glass is either “half full” or “half empty.” So, optimism is not necessarily the same as faith in God. It can be a natural personality trait that has nothing to do with faith.

Discuss

  • Are you a half full or half empty person?
  • What do you think when you see road works or unfinished buildings?

Worldly Optimism

Worldly optimism is not based on faith in God. Many unbelievers simply refuse to worry because life is more pleasant that way.

“Don’t worry; be happy” is their motto. 

They may place their faith in any number of lesser gods, such as karma, denial, the “universe,” or intentional ignorance. This may work temporarily, but it is a misplaced optimism with no real foundation.

Optimistic people find more enjoyment in life and are usually more pleasant to be around because they refuse to worry about things they cannot control. However, simply because a person appears optimistic does not mean that he has great faith in God or that her faith is appropriately placed.

Without realising it, some Christians also place their faith in a “lesser god” because they have a misunderstanding of faith.

  • They may stubbornly cling to the belief that they will receive whatever they want simply because they believe it hard enough.
  • They take care to appear outwardly optimistic because they fear that “negative confessions” might cancel out their prayer requests.
  • Or they simply cling to the notion that there’s power in positive thinking. This is false optimism because it is not based on the sovereign nature of God but on their own ability to believe hard enough to get what they want.

This can lead to confusion and disillusionment with God when their requests remain unfulfilled. 

Discuss

  • Where does the impulse to trust in a Lesser God come from?

Biblical Optimism

Biblical optimism is the result of faith in the character of God. 

The Bible refers to this as “hope.” Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

When we hope in God, we put our trust in His sovereign plan above what our circumstances tell us. 

Romans 8:23–35 explains it this way: “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Paul is speaking of our future reward and the things that “God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

If we redefine Optimism then!

Optimism (Proverbs 4:23; Luke 21:18; John 16:33; Romans 8:25; 28; 15:13; Colossians 3:1-4) combines hope and faith into synergy (the combination supercharges and become more than just the sum of its parts) to be positive for Christ. It is heartfelt confidence that everything will come out for the best, no matter what happens, as Paul proclaimed. It will help us to think the best of and be positive with people and all situations, even if we are proven wrong.


Regardless of what may happen in this life, we know that God sees, cares, and will “wipe every tear from our eyes” when we are forever with Him (Revelation 21:4).

 That confidence can give us an optimistic outlook, even in difficult circumstances. Biblical optimism does not place so much emphasis on earthly events. It can accept difficult circumstances because it believes that “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Godly hope looks beyond what we understand to view life from God’s perspective.

God designed us to live with hope. 

Psalm 43:5 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Optimism is a choice. When we choose to trust God for everything, we can rest in His promises to take care of us the way He sees fit (Philippians 4:19; Luke 12:30–31). 

We can “cast our care upon him” (1 Peter 5:7), “let our requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6), and accept His “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). 
Knowing that we have a loving heavenly Father who desires to care for us and provide for us should give every child of God a reason for true optimism (Matthew 6:8; Luke 12:29–31).

  1. How would you define Optimism? Are you a person who is positive with your outlook? Why, or why not?
  2. When would there be an occasion to distrust a person or situation?
  3. How does being Pessimistic counteract Optimism? What is the cost to others (God, family, friends, neighbours, church, workplace, etc.) when you are a negative person?
  4. What happens to your relationship with God, with others, and with the opportunities God gives you, when you are negative?
  5. When have you been filled with Optimism the most?
  6. In what situation did you fail to be positive when you should have been?
  7. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Optimism? Are you willing to be a passionate person?

Why we all need friends who will hold us accountable

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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Why we all need friends who will hold us accountable

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Being accountable to someone is one of the hardest things in our Christian walk as it means we give another person permission to correct us. Most of us do not like to be corrected, even when we know our behaviour is inappropriate. Also, holding our friend accountable can be difficult at times, especially when we feel our behaviour isn’t up to the standard we are correcting. However, we are all becoming more and more like Christ each day, as we die to self and accountability is necessary and vital to growing together as a body, if it is from a place of love and extended grace.

What is accountability

To be accountable is to be liable to account for one’s actions to someone else [1]. At judgement. we will all be accountable to God (Matthew 12:36; Hebrews 4:13), however, the accountability described in this article is in relation to our daily lives as Christians. We are not supposed to do life alone. We can have accountability to make the whole walk lighter. Someone to share the burdens of our day to day lives as Christians (Galatians 6:2). Christ carries all our burdens, but our friend can comfort us in them. There will be situations that a friend who understands our struggles can inject with wisdom.

Two are better off than one, for they help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Most times our accountability is our friends or peers on a similar journey to our own. They will be around us the most and see how we truly live our lives up close. These are the best types of foundations for accountability, ones of friendship. Friends that holds us accountable call us out on our behaviour, ask questions about our lifestyle and check us on our character. However, this should all be done in love, for the betterment of us.

Why accountability matters

Accountability can reveal secrets and expose patterns of behaviours in our life that we did not want to deal with, as it rightly should. When David tried to hide the sin he had committed, God sent Nathan to hold him accountable (See 2 Samuel 12:1-15). Nathan called David out on what he had done, through the revelation of God, which led David to confess and seek forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:13). We may not always see our behaviour until someone calls it out.

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy

Proverbs 27:5-6

We also need to be humble enough to accept correction. Nathan simply pointed out what David had done as the Lord directed. It was David who realised his sin and repented. Having said that, we should not take advice from just anyone. It is not everyone’s opinion that should carry the same weight. We have to decide on the voices that we allow to have an impact on our life.

So, who gets to “call us out”?

Although we do not have to be friends with only Christians, the people closest to us that really speak into our lives should understand what we are truly about. Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. We are warned in the bible on the type of people we entertain in our lives (Proverbs 13:20). The impact they have on our decisions, speech, conduct and character in the long term.

Do not be misled “Bad company corrupts good character”

1 Corinthians 15:33

As “Bad company can corrupt”, good company can influence. Jesus surrounded himself with 12 disciples who He taught and together, they did life. They were not perfect but eventually, as they spent time with Christ, they began to understand who Christ was and what He stood for. Their lives were changed by their relationship with Christ, as ours, as Christians, is being transformed. We may not have a group as large as that to do our everyday life with, and we do not need one. One person that we can be accountable to is more efficient than thousands who only applaud but never correct.

Ultimately, accountability is more than correction; it is more than sharing our secrets. True accountability creates spaces for transparency. We can only be truly accountable if the relationship enables us to be open and honest. The right friendships that allow for accountability can be life-changing. A support system that can encourage, bless, edify and love on one another through a mutual love of God (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Three Keys to Contentment

Shumi Mararike
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Three Keys to Contentment

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Technology has given us a closer glimpse into other people’s lives during lockdown. We have more access to their homes, families, jobs, etc, albeit virtually. We may have found ourselves comparing our lives and what we have to theirs. Consequently, envy may brew up, giving rise to discontentment. Despite all the challenges, the progress we’ve made or lack of, we can be satisfied in the present and excited about what is to come. God has foreknown the situation you’re currently in and will see you through.

The true meaning of contentment

Contentment is not a lack of ambition (see here for how to have a healthy view of ambition). It is not merely “settling for what you have”, neither is it sluggishness. Contentment is trusting in the faithfulness of God irrespective of the circumstances. This may be developed by observing the three keys to contentment: focusing on (i) who God is, (ii) what God has said and (iii) what God has done.

1. Who God is

A proper view of God’s character will reassure the troubled heart. He is our Father who, not only knows our every need, but delights in meeting them. He is a a generous God who loves to bestow good gifts upon His children.

 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:9-11

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

2. What God has said

We remember what God has done alongside what He has said. As you glance around at your circumstances, you may deduce that the situation is unsatisfactory and helpless. You may feel alone, but you’re not. God hasn’t deserted you. He is present in your very situation. He is with you and will see you through. We know so because He has said so – to the children of Israel, to the persecuted believers of the early church and to you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

3. What God has done

God is not a distant being uninterested in the affairs of men and women. He is ever-present. He is involved, doing many wondrous things in our lives; grand or seemingly small. God has met your spiritual and physical needs. By His grace, you have survived a global pandemic. He has given you the health to see a new day, the means to have a roof over your head- these sound like trivial things, but their value cannot be understated. If ever in doubt of God’s activity and great providence in your life, read Psalm 103. God has:

  • Forgiven David and forgiven your sins in Christ (Psalm 103:3; 1 Peter 1:3)
  • Healed the diseases of the Israelites and has healed your own (Psalm 103:3).
  • Repeatedly delivered David from impending death (1 Samuel 17:41-49; 1 Samuel 19-21). God has rescued you from danger, death and its power (Psalm 103:4; 1 Corinthians 15:55).
  • Crowned you with His unfailing love and compassion (Psalm 103:4; Romans 8:38-39)
  • Brought you true satisfaction, thus strengthening and energizing you (Psalm 103:5)

Take heart, look to God

Paul, the imprisoned apostle learned to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). He looked to the opportunities his house arrest presented for the advancement of the Gospel message (Philippians 1:12-14). He continuously rejoiced (Philippians 4:4). Rather than focusing on his circumstances, He focused on the God who was able to supply all his needs and those of the Philippians (Philippians 4:19). Paul focused on who God is, what God had said and what God had done. How did Paul do all this? Through the all-sufficient strength that Christ supplies (Philippians 4:13).

We can protect ourselves from the negative effects of comparison and be contented in all situations when focusing on who God is, what He has said and what He has done. God has sent His Son so that our souls may find rest. Rest in Christ; He gives you the strength to trust in the unceasing faithfulness and sure provision of God.

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