Mind YOUR Business!
One of the greatest problems with some people is their
inability to keep out of the business of others. Some feel able to assess
every situation regarding other people and then proceed to pronounce judgment
concerning it. In most cases, they do not have all the facts. Many times
their misinformation generates from innuendo and supposition. When Paul was
in Jerusalem, the Jews tried to build a case against him based upon supposition.
They accused him of polluting the temple by bringing a Gentile into it. They
cried out, “Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every
where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought
Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they
had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed
that Paul had brought into the temple.)” (Acts 21:28, 29) They did not see
Paul bring Trophimus into the temple, but merely supposed he had because
they had seen them together in the city.
These people who bring judgment upon others are seldom
willing to approach the ones they accuse in the presence of those whom they
think ought to discipline the “guilty” party. Such is at least ungracious,
and may even be dishonest.
Note the company the busybody keeps. “But let none of
you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody
in other men's matters” (1 Pet 4:15)
The busybody may claim that he is “just trying to help,”
and he does not see himself for what he is. He stirs up strife, and faithful
people should not give him any audience. Note this from Solomon: “He
who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate
with a gossip” (Prov 20:19 NAS).
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Bill Lambert