Thursday’s Thought

      A Mid-Week Inspirational Message

    (C) 2003-2008 Ron Adams

NEED TO KNOW BASIS

          APPLICATION

   While raising our children, we had a house rule or saying, "This is family talk." By that we meant "what is heard here stays here." No one else needs to know, as it might be embarrassing or hurtful if others knew. It was a good rule for all concerned.

WIDE APPLICATION

   All relationships, and especially close ones, benefit when the "need to know basis" is observed. Not just families, but among friends, neighbors, and especially church members. While there may be a tendency to want to share "juicy" tidbits, keeping a trust is far more important. The amount of grief, shame, hurt feelings, damaged reputations that can be avoided is enormous by following this simple rule.

WISE APPLICATION

   Ask yourself : Is this something that is best not shared? Is it simply gossip (true or false)? If the answer is "yes" don't say it. Those who have confided in you will be pleased by your trustworthiness, and so will the Lord.

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Proverbs 1:13

Quotations from NASB