Workout:  stop the gossip.

Again, like nearly every workout we do, some will find this particular one easier while others may find it more difficult.  Here’s what we’re trying not to do:

gossip |?gäs?p|
casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

Gossips are listed with some of the worst of the worst evils.  In the Bible it is associated with such things as murder, slander and malice.

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,  slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; Rom. 1:29-30

To be successful in this workout you must be able to self-monitor your thoughts and conversations in the moment.  If you are prone to gossip with certain people (e.g. friends, co-workers) prepare yourself before seeing them and be alert during your conversation.  What are you watching for?  “Unconfirmed casual or unconstrained conversation or reports” about people who are not there.

In the ancient Greek language the word that get’s translated as gossip is psithyristeœ.  The same word is translated in English as whisper.  We know when we’re in the rumour mill, participating in the production of gossip.  It’s that same sneaky, clandestine feel of the secret whisper.  Be a cog in the machine.  Stop the whispers.