Good Christian B**ches

I recently heard that there was a new show planning to run on ABC called, "Good Christian Bitches."  It's about a lady who returns to a community and is the subject of malicious talk from the women in the Christian community.  No doubt it will be a cross between Desperate Housewives, The Real Housewives of Whatever County, and Sex in the City. 

I'm not here to say whether or not it should be aired.  My first thought on the subject was, "Why do the writers of this show have this material to work with?"  The sin of gossip and slander, unfortunately, is probably the most obvious act of disobedience to Scripture in the church.  It is everywhere.  Everywhere you look, Christian people, men and women (but women in particular- I'm not being sexist, just observant) slander and gossip and talk maliciously about just about anything you can think of.  As a minister, I have been the subject of more malicious talk, gossip, and slander in the church than just about anyone else I know.  It flows freely in Christian communities, Christian families, and Christian events. 

The thing that hurts even worse is when the unbelieving world sees it and we don't.  The writers for this show, unfortunately, aren't going to have to make up ANYTHING.  All they have to do is attend church for a few months and they will have all the material they will need.  All they have to do is observe Christian conversation in the church hallways.  They will probably hear something malicious about a minister or a person in the church.  Lord help us if they ever get a hold of private text messages or emails sent from Christian to Christian.  That will provide more than enough material for the writers of this show.

I guess what I am trying to say is this- Christians, I am upset about this show, but to be honest, we've brought this on ourselves.  I think the reason I am most upset is that it isn't a fabrication.  They will probably show a very real portrayal.  They will show, on national tv, what happens every day in our communities and churches.  They will make fun of us using material WE have provided for them.  I say we stop providing them with the material and follow Scripture when it comes to our mouths.

Proverbs 10:19- "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Ephesians 4:29- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful   for building others up, that it may benefit those who listen."
Proverbs 18:2- "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions."

The list goes on.  This TV show has called out the Christian community on one of its biggest areas of disobedience to Scripture.  Protest it if you want, but get your own house in order first.