Monday, 22 October 2012
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Mind Your Own Business: Focusing on Your Christian Walk
By Roderick Evans
I know, I know, I know. The title of this post seems kind of harsh. Trust me, you will get it as you read on. In life, there are times when we have heard others use this expression or we have (or wanted to) use this expression in response to someone’s curiosity. Though oftentimes, it is used as a defensive and derogatory statement, it does hold value for the Christian. Consider these verses…Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. John 21:20-22 (KJV)
Jesus is giving instructions to Peter concerning his future work and ministry. Yet, Peter becomes preoccupied with thinking about what someone else (John) will do. But Jesus’ response of “what is that to thee” is in a sense, asking Peter “what business is that of yours?” In essence, He is telling Peter to mind his own business and worry about himself. He then tells Peter, “Follow Me.”
How many times have we become preoccupied with the affairs of others that we neglect what is before us? We know there are numerous issues and problems within Christianity and the Church caused by others. However, we cannot spend too much time focusing on others, but make sure that we are doing what Christ would have for us to do.
We can become distracted by someone else’s wrong doing. Though we may be affected by the negative actions and attitudes of others, we cannot allow these things to remove our focus from Christ.
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! Luke 17:1 (KJV)
It is true that we can get hurt or offended, but Jesus said that offenses will come. We must remember to forgive and allow His peace to guard our hearts.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 (KJV)
We sometimes can become distracted by the labor of others in the Christian community. Sometimes, we can focus on what others are or are not doing that we do not do what we are supposed to do for Christ. This is what Peter demonstrated. Christ finished challenging his love and commitment and Peter asks about John. It was really not to be his concern at that time, but prepare to follow what Christ had instructed him to do. Mary also fell into this trap. She rebuked Jesus because of what Mary was doing.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Luke 10:40 (KJV)
So, remember to mind (or should I say focus) on your own business; that is, the things that you are to do for Him. It will bless you and, in turn, be of great benefit to others.
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Comments (11)
Loved this =]
Yes but we really are our Brother's keeper and we need to hold one another accountable for sin. There are plenty of scriptures for that too. Judgement starts at the House of God.
This is great writing and great points.
Food for thought thanks :D - if we get so wrapped up in other peoples business, then we lose focus on what work we need to do. I guess if we get our own 'buisness' dealt with, we'll have the strength to help others when they need. We can't walk each others paths, but we can walk alongside each other as we walk our own.
@derekwilson24@xanga - I actually completely disagree with this statement. We are not our brothers; keeper and Judgement is not for anyone but God our Father - even Christ said He does not judge and He is God. He is our example. Children can't go disciplining children.
Also, what do you mean by the "house of God"? We are the Temple for which Christ lives and dwells... we are His House.
@xXrEMmUsXx@xanga -
1 Peter 4:17 implies that yes we are supposed to keep each other accountable for sin like I said, and in Genesis 4:9 God asked Cain "Where is your Brother?" Cain replied "Am I my Brother's keeper?" God was mad because Cain slew able. The implication is that yes, he indeed was his brother's keeper. The Household of God, refers to the Household of Faith, or our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
@derekwilson24@xanga - Neither one of those scriptures support us judging each other, Judgement requires that we lift ourselves above the on we are placing judgement on, which is why we are not qualified to do so.
God asked Cain where Able was because Cain had killed him and knew where he was, not because God expected Cain to tell Him where Cain is as if God did not already know. There is no implication that he was supposed to 'keep' his brother. Also this in know way deals with judgement...?
1 Peter 4:17New Living Translation (NLT)17 For
the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household.
And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who
have never obeyed God’s Good News?
Also, this is not in context of us judging each other. Of course we will be judged... God is our judge. Again, its up to Him, not us. The context of 1 peter 4 is suffering with Christ.
Suffering for Being a Christian12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead,be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his
suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory
when it is revealed to all the world.
14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian,[e] for then the glorious Spirit of God[f] rests upon you.[g] 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For
“If the righteous are barely saved,the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household.
And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who
have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also,
what will happen to godless sinners?”[h] 19 So
if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what
is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will
never fail you.There is no implication that the judgement in these scriptures are coming from brothers and sisters in the Body.
@xXrEMmUsXx@xanga - What about Matthew 18:15-16? Or Leviticus 19:17? Galatians 6:1? 2 Thessalonians 3:15? Titus 3:10? Or James 5:19?
All of those DO implicate that if you see your Brother stumble that you are to go to him and help restore him, if he don't repent then you are to disassociate yourself with him.
Matthew 18:
15He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and
[r]waited on Him.
16When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.
are you sure that was the right one?Leviticus 19:
15 “Do
not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being
partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.
16 “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.[b]
“Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.
17 “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives.[c] Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.
18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
19 “You must obey all my decrees.
“Do
not mate two different kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with
two different kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven from two
different kinds of thread.
Of course there are different translations... But in verse 15, it says to judge people fairly. I think the point here is that - people will sin. We will have to confront sin and we are not to mingle with that sin. Discerning right and wrong are very different than placing actual judgement for a sin with consequences on another believer. (without going into the whole Old Law and New Testament law being written on our Hearts... in short - there were 613 Jewish laws, and aside from the temple laws, they are still help by the Jewish people. So when the Old Testiment Commands something, thought it be moral, I ask myself what Jesus taught and where He was going with his teachings to renew the mind and set people free and He said - Do not Judge. Matthew 7 [since this is concerning sin})
Galatians 6:1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer[a] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly[b]
should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And
be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
While helping someone out of sin does require discernment, judgements of their character and condemnation will not prepare their hearts for repentance.
2 Thes 3:15 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.[e]
Again, we will encounter sin, and with the door to relationship as a brother or sister, we should gently warn and admonish our family in the grace and love of Christ. I think this comes down to the way we view judgement. How we define it...Titus 3:
9Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees
[b]or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.
10If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.
11For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Not being a part of sin is not that same as condemning judgements... separating - because in fact, their own sins condemn them. We don't need to do that.
James 5:19
My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back,
20you
I can see where you are coming from. But I truly think that the judgment we practice in the entirety of Christianity is much different than the discernment Christ called us to exercise. While this got lengthy, I didn't want just just post a bunch of Scriptures and have a battle of the wits or knowledge. I just want the body of Believers to be free from this concept that we are to judge. In the example of the woman who was caught in adultery, Christ said, I do not condemn you.can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person
from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
I have just seen so many judgements made out of impure hearts. Criticism takes the place of discernment. So I hope you can hear my heart on this issue and understand that my perspective is not to prove myself right or you wrong. I think judgement is a huge topic in the church that needs some redefining.
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