Mind Your Own Business!
Growing up, my older brothers use to try to get all up in my business. Especially when I became old enough to date. They quickly assumed the “I’m your daddy” role and thought they needed to know every step I took and with whom! It use to aggravate me so much that at times I would just get so exasperated; I would tell them to “Mind your own business”!
Now that I am grown, I still see people trying to put their nose where it doesn’t belong (I’m not talking about my brothers). Social media is a great platform to see this, everyone has an opinion and they are not afraid to share it with the world. More specifically though, I am talking about people who scrutinize other peoples actions and decisions, not just on social media but face to face as well. Unless it is something that is keeping them from eternity, honestly, minding your own business might be wise counsel.
Think about what getting into other people’s business does:
- it causes us to make inaccurate or uninformed comments
- we make false judgementsÂ
- we side with others that could cause division
- we may fall victim to share someone’s “business” with others
- we take the risk of hurting other people which in turn may hurt us
The Bible talks about “Minding our own business”, another word used for it is “gossip”…
(Proverbs 20:19) “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”
Gossip comes in many forms. For starters, you may not even realize that you are being sucked into it. How many of you reading this have ever had someone come and tell you something “out of concern” for someone else. I’ve had this happen to me and if I’m not careful (and I have NOT been careful a few times), I find myself sucked into the trap of gossip or slandering someone and I don’t even realize it is happening until the deed is done.
I don’t want to be all up in other people’s business, instead I want to be ABOUT God’s business.
(Ephesians 4:29) “Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only what is useful for building others up according to their need, that it may benefit those who listen.”
With the holidays fast approaching, family drama is sure to be stirred up along with the dressing. I implore you to watch what you say and be careful to not let the naysayers suck you into a web of babble that will not only hurt others, but will also hurt you and hurt your testimony.
Sometimes one of the best things that anyone can do is just “mind their own business”.
Blessings. Laurie
@copyright2017 laurieadams
*for more of my devotions, find my facebook page womentakingastand.
You bring up a very good point Laurie. As Christians we may think it is our duty to get involved, and sometimes that involvement is unproductive and ungodly. Your post is good food for thought.
You are right, Laurie. We really do need to mind our own business more often. I try to stay away from gossip, but sometimes you just get sucked in. May I remember Ephesians 4:29 at all times.