Gossip and rumors can spread like wildfire! Teens -- text messaging with thumbs seemingly going faster than a whirlwind -- can silently, but quickly spread the word about almost anything. With e-mail adults can react to situations and then broadcast a tirade to multiple recipients with just a click of the “send” button. By either of these means (and many others), just a quick word sent out about others and the rumor mill spins out of control. Once the tale has been ignited there is no telling where it will stop even if the one who sparked it wishes they could.
Could we not hope that such would be the way with good news? Should that not be our aim and prayer regarding the truth of God; that it could be sent out and forwarded and forwarded and forwarded, spreading quickly to others?
In Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica he stated…
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, THAT THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY SPEED AHEAD and be honored, as happened among you,” ( 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV)
The idea behind the Greek word translated “speed” is “to run.” It is God’s Word that needs to be spread, running ahead of every other ideology of this world. Unlike gossip and rumors, the SPEEDING AHEAD of God’s Word will bring the greatest benefit where it is honored. Keeping God’s Word spreading rapidly can make it possible for others to hear and accept it before being deceived by other ideologies of our day. Coming to know the truth others will be prepared to readily reject that which is contrary to it and thus be spared being burned by what is false. Living in this “information age”, let us use all this technology for letting the good news of God SPEED AHEAD, spreading like a wildfire that cannot be extinguished.
Subject: Gossip 
Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:48 pm
