Gangrene
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:15-17
There are two main definitions for Gangrene:
1. necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction.
Then there is:
2. moral or spiritual corruption and decadence that pervades an individual or group.
It is very interesting to me how graphic the first definition is and how the second definition really gives it a second punch to the gut. When we are out there in the world and we are talking about people or gossiping about the latest news that we heard, we are not only sinning, but we are encouraging other people to sin. This type of sin spreads like death according to the scripture, but as you can see it doesn't stop there. This type of sin leads to further ungodliness and can have a significant impact on others. If you stop and think, everything that you say or do comes from your heart. If your heart isn't right, then things said or done can typically tear people down or lead to empty chatter. However, if you begin to look internally at your heart, the outflow will something very different and won't lead to Gangrene. My hope is to keep from dying each day, and be more of someone who is living each day for myself and others. The world is hurting and I cannot continue to contribute to that hurting if all I am doing is engaging in the empty chatter.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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