Don't Be A Busybody
But let none of your suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. -- 1 Peter 4:15
Isn't it interesting that Peter put busybody right up there with murderer, thief and evildoer? In a way, it fits. A busybody can murder a reputation, steal your peace of mind and cause all sorts of evil.
Make no mistake: We are all busybodies to some degree. We are. Have you ever asked questions about something that has nothing to do with you? Have you ever tried to find out what is going over at your neighbor's house -- without asking them directly? Have you ever been tempted to eavesdrop on a co-worker's phone conversation?
The reality television show business is booming. Why? Because we like to watch other people. We like to look down on their drama and be thankful it's not us. We like to tell other people how to live their lives. It's just so much easier than trying to live our own lives for Jesus.
Years ago a pastor got upset with a woman in the church who was a known busybody. Or gossip, if you will. She knew everything about everyone. There can be some benefit in that at times. On that particular Sunday she was still stinging from the pastor's words and determined to keep her mouth shut. Yet, she had something to say. Something important. Something we all needed to know. A church member had suffered a devastating stroke earlier that morning. He and his family needed prayer and, frankly, support in many ways. In the coming weeks there would be a house that needed to be remodeled and food that needed to be delivered. Another preacher explained to her the difference between passing on gossip and telling something we all need to know.
Years ago a pastor got upset with a woman in the church who was a known busybody. Or gossip, if you will. She knew everything about everyone. There can be some benefit in that at times. On that particular Sunday she was still stinging from the pastor's words and determined to keep her mouth shut. Yet, she had something to say. Something important. Something we all needed to know. A church member had suffered a devastating stroke earlier that morning. He and his family needed prayer and, frankly, support in many ways. In the coming weeks there would be a house that needed to be remodeled and food that needed to be delivered. Another preacher explained to her the difference between passing on gossip and telling something we all need to know.
Of course, there are other times when we get involved in something that we really need to stay out of. Two people I know are getting married. I wish them the best. Unfortunately, I knew the man's first wife and know way more than he realizes I know. I look at him and see the same issues because he hasn't changed a bit. I fear history will repeat itself and this dear woman will be devastated. I've told myself repeatedly, "Not my monkeys, not my drama." I saw that on Facebook a while back and it helps me remember to stay out of it. Maybe this situation will work out for the best. Maybe it won't. But my nose needs to stay out of it. My mouth needs to stay closed.
What are your button points? What makes you want to get involved in other folks' business? Why do we have this "need" to insert ourselves into situations that aren't about us? Maybe it helps us focus somewhere besides what we aren't doing for Jesus. Maybe we'll feel better about ourselves if we focus on the faults of others.
Don't be a busybody. Find some Scripture and repeat it to yourself. Or tell yourself that whatever is going on in someone else's life really isn't your drama. Walk away. It's better for you and it's better for them.
Don't be a busybody. Find some Scripture and repeat it to yourself. Or tell yourself that whatever is going on in someone else's life really isn't your drama. Walk away. It's better for you and it's better for them.
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