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A Note from the Preacher…Larry Sweeney

        

Rumor Has It...      We have all heard the words, “Rumor has it…” It usually goes something like this: “Do you know ___________? Well, rumor has it that ________ was actually seen with ________ and this has caused…….” Yes, this is all too familiar, isn’t it? With this in mind, let’s reason together concerning “rumors” and how to deal with them.      What is a “rumor”? A rumor is “a story circulating without known foundation or authority; an unverified report passing from person to person” (The New International Webster’s Dictionary). This definition points us to two important characteristics of rumors: (1) The source of the information is not revealed (it may not even be known), and (2) The information is usually highly exaggerated or an outright lie. So, how can we identify a rumor?

(1) Remember that the “source” of most rumors is “they say.” Have you ever wondered who “they” really are? We all know that what “they say” is rarely true or accurate.
(2) Consider whether the information sounds reasonable. Use your good common sense when dealing with a rumor.

     What action should you take when confronted with a rumor?
(1) Refuse to listen. The best way to stop a rumor is not to “give an ear” to it.
(2) Do not repeat the rumor. We never want to be party to spreading that which is worthless. Remember Proverbs 11:13.
(3) Get the facts yourself. Go to individuals who are aware of the situation.
(4) Don’t overreact.

     I’ll conclude with this account: The rumor was spread that when a certain minister’s wife was attending a public meeting, her husband went there in a rage, violently dragged her from the hall, and compelled her to go home. The minister, who was new in town, allowed the tale to circulate for a time. Then, one Sunday morning, he made this statement to the congregation: “In the first place, I never attempted to influence my wife in her choice of a meeting. Secondly, my wife did not attend the meeting in question. In the third place, I did not attend the meeting myself. Finally, I am not even married.”
--Larry Sweeney