Do you know the definition of "slander?"  Have you heard slanderous remarks?  Have you ever been guilty of slandering anyone?

        These are important questions when we remember that slander is a sin that can damn our souls.  Notice:

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."  (Ephesians 4:31 - NASV)

"But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth."  (Colossians 3:8 - NASV)

The King James Version uses the words "evil speaking" and "blasphemy" in these texts, but the meaning is the same.  We most often think of "blasphemy" against God, but in its most literal sense the word means "to vilify, or to speak against", and it can be done against God or man.  A modern English dictionary offers this definition: "a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report."

        Slander typically happens when brethren get "out of sorts" or angry. Often it involves someone trying to justify his position or excuse his bad behavior.  Its goal is to make someone else look bad.  The easiest way to do this is to issue a false report.  It usually goes like this:

        "Did you know that brother Soandso believes that it is a sin to _________."

        "You don't mean it!"

        "Oh, yes, that's his position."

        "I just can't believe it!  Have you heard him say that?"

        "Well, he's never come right out and said it, but that's what he believes alright."

        "Have you gone to him to discuss this matter?"

        "No, it wouldn't do any good.  He's real stubborn and closed-minded you know."

Brethren, this is the sin of slander -- DON'T DO IT!