Pass it down.

I remember in school we would play this game. My teacher would make us all sit on the floor in a circle. She would lean over to someone and tell them a short story. That person would have to tell the person sitting next to them. Then that person would pass it down to the next, and the next. So on and so on. By the time that the story would be passed down to the last person, it had changed completely. The last person would then tell the teacher and she would say it out loud. Then she would reveal the truth, the real story. We would all laugh, because of the silliness of the new story..the one that was passed down. I have used this example alot in teaching my kids about rumors. I tell them that rumors never end up the same way that they started. Rumors. I dislike them. rumor-an uncertain truth which is circulated from one person to another. If you are a breathing human being, then your life has somehow been effected by a rumor. Either you began one, had a part in passing one down, added to one, or were the subject of one. I myself, I must admit, have somewhere in the course of my life...been a part of all of the above. I have to say that the most painful part I played, is when I was the subject of a rumor. It's a painful place to be. It's an unfair place to be. We tell our kids not to lie, but what are we teaching them when we join the rumor circle? Are we teaching them to be honest people or training them to grow up and cause hurt or pain? A rumor is a lie. You can try to sugar coat it all you want, but it will still be a lie underneath. A lie is a lie is a lie. lie-a false or untrue statement A rumor (lie) will destroy things in it's path. You may not notice it until it's all said and done, but when you look back towards the path of destruction it caused, it's too late. What's done is done. Someone is left hurt, torn, broken, and distrusting. Proverbs 12:22 "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful." If we are gong to pass anything down, we should pass down the truth. TRUTH-the facts corresponding with actual events or happenings; sincerity or honesty. Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. As God's children, if we are going to pass anything down...we need to pass down the truth. We need to pass down Jesus! His story has never changed and never will. His love is never changing! The cross is still there for anyone to run to. His cleansing blood is still as powerful as ever. His life is still the reason why we are saved! This is what we should pass down. Instead of tearing lives down with lies and rumors, we need to build them up with the truth of Jesus. He is the only thing that can fix any destruction, that we as humans, have caused in the lives of other people. Pass Him down. Pass His love to the next person sitting to you..and the next, and the next. Watch and see what His love will do. His love will set them free. His love will set You free! He is the only Truth that we need. Pass it down. John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day. as long as it is still called, "Today", lest anyone of you be hardened by deceitfulness of sin. I Peter 4:8 Most of all, continue to show deep love for eachother, for love covers a multitude of sins.