GOSSIP AND BURNT TOAST

Sandra Wiseman Smith • 5 February 2024

Gossip may be more serious than you think…

GOSSIP AND BURNT TOAST??

What, you may ask, does gossip have to do with a slice of burnt toast? There is a definite correlation between the two, as you will discover. However, before I answer that question, let’s think about bread for a moment. Originally, ordinary bread was considered a highly nutritious food — not too long ago actually. That is, before our modern food industry began to tamper with our health. For years, large agricultural corporations have genetically altered various foods, and poisoned our water and soil by using dangerous pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides leading to toxicity and depleted soils. And don’t get me started on fluoridation!

WHERE’S THE BEEF–UH, BREAD?

They’ve even removed nutritious elements like the wheat germ, and instead “enriched” our breads with harmful or non-nutritive additives. As a result of these things, today we have been conditioned to believe, sadly, that bread is ruinous to our health. Something we should avoid and replace with an alternative. I now try to avoid the problem by buying organic and non-GMO whenever possible and praying over it.

BREAD IS THE STAFF OF LIFE

However, back in Jesus’ time, bread was a staple essential for life. You’ve probably heard the old maxim: “Bread is the staff of life”, which is something I still believe. This was especially the case in ancient times. Long ago, people commonly ate simple flat bread often made of whole grains, grape juice, olive oil, water, and salt. Sounds delicious to me! Additionally, when the Old Testament Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they called their daily ration of bread from Heaven, “manna”. It was the only basic food they ate, which I’m sure contained every nutrient necessary for life.

JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE

Interestingly like manna, Jesus, Who came down from Heaven as living bread, called Himself the Bread of Life (John 6:33, 35, 51). More than a simple analogy, He wanted His followers to clearly understand we need Him. Every day! His Word is indeed our “necessary food”. (Job 23:12) I have experienced this firsthand for myself. For me, reading and believing His Word; spending time with Jesus and getting to know and love Him, is like digesting nutritious food. Eating the “Bread of Life” is truly the only way we can develop a healthy soul. This results in a life full of joy and peace and purpose. Consequently, when our minds, will, and emotions are at rest, our bodies can’t help but respond and become healthier. I promise! “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.”(Prov. 13:40 NKJV)

SPIRITUAL SYMBOLISM OF BREAD INGREDIENTS

Now consider how each ingredient in the bread of Jesus’ day symbolizes how we need Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Whole wheat, for instance, the main ingredient, is full of essential nutrients for life such as iron, potassium, and B vitamins, etc. Further, grape juice and wine, olive oil, and water signify His Spirit. Referring also to the Holy Spirit, Jesus said He would give us living water. (John 4:10) Finally, salt speaks of our role in society as a flavor-enhancer and preservative, among other properties. Thus Jesus calls us the “salt of the earth” in Matt. 5:13. Think of it–all of these ingredients in bread signify our ability to maintain a healthy life inside and out…and with joy!

BURNT TOAST IS DANGEROUS

Again, what does gossip have to do with burnt toast? I’d like to exlain it first by describing the bread: when toasted bread burns, it becomes hard, blackened, and almost tasteless. The starch (sugars) in bread, when heated to high temps, releases a chemical known as acrylamide, which in large amounts can be carcinogenic. Not a very appetizing thought, is it?! Rather dangerous as well.

WHY GOSSIP TASTES SO BAD!

So comparing burnt toast to words, imagine how gossip can be just as hard, tasteless, unappetizing, and potentially ‘dangerous’. It involves spreading personal, sensational, or intimate facts about others. When taken to an extreme and escalating as vicious rumors and slander, it can harm or even destroy a reputation, potentially ruining a person’s whole life. On the other hand, gossip may seem quite benign–just simply facts that are true. However, even though gossip may be factual words or only mere chatter, the listener can get a false impression if the facts are negative. Especially if the gossip precedes an initial introduction.

WHAT WILL WE CHOOSE?

Granted, most of us are good-willed souls who would never want to intentionally hurt someone with our words. So for the sake of promoting kindness and friendship, let’s remember — God places wonderful gifts within each of us! How sad if we miss the ’nutritional’ benefit of knowing another person. This is true even more if we take a “bite” before we get a chance to meet them. In a word, gossip can leave a bad taste in one’s mouth! I’d rather eat (and share) a delicious slice of butter-slathered homemade bread than a blackened, tasteless piece of burnt toast any day, wouldn’t you?

WHY GOSSIP TASTES SO BAD!

So comparing burnt toast to words, imagine how gossip can be just as hard, tasteless, unappetizing, and potentially ‘dangerous’. It involves spreading personal, sensational, or intimate facts about others. When taken to an extreme and escalating as vicious rumors and slander, it can harm or even destroy a reputation, potentially ruining a person’s whole life. On the other hand, gossip may seem quite benign–just simply facts that are true. However, even though gossip may be factual words or only mere chatter, the listener can get a false impression if the facts are negative. Especially if the gossip precedes an initial introduction.

WHAT WILL WE CHOOSE?

Granted, most of us are good-willed souls who would never want to intentionally hurt someone with our words. So for the sake of promoting kindness and friendship, let’s remember — God places wonderful gifts within each of us! How sad if we miss the ’nutritional’ benefit of knowing another person. This is true even more if we take a “bite” before we get a chance to meet them. In a word, gossip can leave a bad taste in one’s mouth! I’d rather eat (and share) a delicious slice of butter-slathered homemade bread than a blackened, tasteless piece of burnt toast any day, wouldn’t you?

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