He gave us something to talk about

"Let's give 'em something to talk about.  A little mystery to figure out..."  Do you remember this Bonnie Raitt song?  Did you start humming it as soon as you read these words?  It is one of those songs that I can't help but sing along with when it comes on the radio or I hear it as I walk down the aisles of the grocery store. The lyrics refer to the fact that people are going to talk no matter what, so we might as well give them something to talk about!  This is so true in so many ways.  

It is true in the business world, where the water cooler chatter is GOING to happen no matter what the company policy is on gossip.  The wise CEO or Manager will keep the work environment engaging and purposeful enough that he or she will be able to guide at least some of that conversation in a positive direction.

It is true in education as well.  Schools (be they elementary, middle, high schools, or colleges/universities) are little micro-communities.  The "buzz" is unstoppable when it starts.  When I met my husband, we were both working for the same elementary school.  Our budding romantic relationship became the talk of not only the staff, but also the students that year!

It is also true within the church.  Both the "little c" local church and in the "Big C" global Church.  We are social creatures and we are designed for communication with others.  Each believer gives the church and the world something to talk about, whether they intend to or not.  As I read the Bible, I find that there are many people who gave the Church wonderful things to talk about:
Philemon verse 7: "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." NIV
Philippians 1:4-5: "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" NIV
Colossians 1:3-4: "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints" NIV

God has given us plenty of wonderful things to talk about, yet often we keep those things to ourselves and choose instead to vent or complain, or discuss things that will certainly keep others talking, but not in a way that brings about joy or encouragement. 

Today, let's take responsibility for the words that we speak.  Not just avoiding saying things that are negative or unhealthy, but purposefully sharing something that God has given us to talk about!  Don't just give in to the pointless conversations that abound around you, give the world and the Church something to talk about that will bring encouragement and joy.  God doesn't teach us things or let us experience things so that we can simply ponder them in the quietness of our hearts (though there is a time for that).  Eventually, we are to share those lessons learned and experiences with those we come in contact with.  Every good and perfect gift God gives us on earth is not only meant for our own encouragement, but also for the encouragement of others.  He has given us something to talk about and a mystery to figure out.  Let's get to it!