Mind your own business! That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Has anyone ever said that to you or you to anyone? If you were at the receiving end, how did it make you feel? Well, we are usually told that – when someone thinks that we are sticking our nose where it does not belong. Would it not be great if there were not so many busybodies? Would it not be great if people were more concerned about their own affairs rather than with the concerns of others? They would accomplish so much more if they would use their time to invest in their own lives.
How well are you at minding your own business? Do you know what it entails? If perchance you do not know, our business entails all the things and people God places in our lives. It is about our families – our children, our spouse or partner, our homes, our relationships, our gifts, and our opportunities. Those are the people and things that we need to pay attention to – and that bring joy and laughter, progress, and success to our lives. Those are what we need to invest in because those are the things that have value and merit in our lives.
It is amazing how much knowledge people usually seem to have about other people’s affairs and so little about their own. So often we try to control other people, control the world around us, and control everything and everyone but ourselves. Learning to free your mind from someone else’s business will not only make your life better but, in turn, will make you a better human being. What people do in their own lives are their business – not yours. If it does not affect you, it is none of your business. You should be focusing on your own problems and concerns – and the things that build you up and add value to your life.
The Bible has much to say about being a busybody. 1 Peter 4:15 instructs us, “Let none of you suffers as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul rebuked those who were idle, wandering from house to house telling things that they should not. He called them “gossips and busybodies.”
The Bible also pointed out that Jesus never had time to meddle in other people’s business because He was too busy minding His own. In Luke 2:49 – at the age of 12, Jesus knew what His business was. He declared, “I must be about my father’s business” and He knew what His business was. Luke 19:10 pointed out that, “He came to seek and to save that which was lost”. He never went about judging people but saving and setting them free. That was the reason why, in John 8:1-11, when the people brought to Him the woman caught in adultery, He said unto them, who that is without sin cast the first stone. Jesus did not condemn or judge her – instead, He set her free. Jesus was all about forgiving and restoring others.
So, the next time you are tempted to meddle in other people’s business – do not be too quick to judge other people’s shortcomings – stop for a moment and look internally and evaluate your own life. If you stop focusing on other people’s lives you will have more time to fix your own.
Remember: Trouble often begins when we involve ourselves in other people’s business. So, do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do. A person’s life, choices, and mistakes are none of your business. The best business to mind is your own.
About the Author: Mrs Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 3. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
