I like to illustrate this kind of thing by talking about gossip. I believe it is the most tolerated sin in every congregation. As always, I like to share my definition of gossip. Something is not gossip if it can pass three tests:
? 100% Truth - You heard/saw it directly – can’t be repeated from another source
? You would say it to the person it is about
? It would build up the person it is about
If just one of these tests fails, IT IS GOSSIP!
If a congregation wanted to look different than the world, it could decide to be gossip-free. That would mean members of the congregation would not even listen to gossip. Maybe they could even put it on a sign out in front of the building. Would your friends still call you with all the juicy bits of gossip from the community? Absolutely! When you refuse to even listen, would you be ridiculed? Absolutely! (Holier-than-thou) And you would be in good company because they ridiculed and mocked Jesus.