Minding Your Own Business!

Scripture of the Day:

“Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NKJV)

Devotional Thought:

Let’s be honest—there’s something in us that just loves knowing what’s going on in other people’s lives. Maybe it’s curiosity. Maybe it’s concern. Or maybe it’s just plain nosiness disguised as “prayerful interest.” (You know the type: “I’m just asking so I can pray better!”)

But the Bible is clear: we are called to mind our own business. That’s right. It’s scriptural. God knew we’d need that reminder because humans have been getting up in each other’s business since Eve probably asked Adam, “So… what did the serpent really say?”

Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s a place for encouragement, accountability, and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). But there’s a big difference between helping a friend and being the self-appointed CEO of Everybody Else’s Affairs, Inc.

Lessons from Scripture:

• Proverbs 26:17 (NKJV):“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”
  • JP Translation: You grab a dog by the ears, and you’re gonna get bit! Stick your nose in drama that isn’t yours, and don’t be surprised when it bites you back.
• 1 Peter 4:15 (NKJV):“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”
  • Did you catch that? God put being a “busybody” in the same sentence as murderers and thieves! That should make us think twice before clicking “expand comments” on that juicy Facebook argument.
• John 21:21-22 (NKJV):“Peter… said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”
  • Jesus basically told Peter, “Worry about yourself.” If the Son of God has to remind His disciples to stay in their lane, how much more do we need that reminder?

Application for Today:

• Next time you’re tempted to “investigate” someone else’s life, ask:
  Is this really my business? If not, keep scrolling.
• If you hear some good gossip, remember: spreading it doesn’t make you wise—it just makes you a carrier.
• Instead of worrying about what they’re doing, focus on what God has called you to do. (Hint: He didn’t call you to be Heaven’s neighborhood watch.)

Prayer:

Lord, help me to focus on my own walk with You instead of keeping tabs on everyone else’s. Give me wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to just zip it. May my words build up, not tear down, and may my heart be more invested in Your plans for my life than in other people’s business. Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan Pannell III