Mind Your Own Business!
“.and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business….” I Thessalonians 4:11.
I must learn to mind my own business. My interference in matters have no place in my Christian Walk. God has no use for me to meddle in matters that do not concern me. God did not call me to be a midwife trying to help give birth to others, but to help in the process of growing others through teaching and discipleship. Too often I added my two cents by saying, “I wouldn’t do that”.
Peter was a great interferer. When Jesus announced his plan to submit to crucifixion, Peter jumped in immediately and tried to change the plan of God. “Get behind me Satan” was the Master’s stern reply (Matthew 16:23). God will not have us meddle in His will. Peter still did not learn. At the seaside he was more concerned with John’s future than his own, and again Jesus corrected him, “What is that to you? You follow me” (John 21:21).
It is very difficult for me to learn the difference between when God uses me and when I use myself. The problem is not motive, but discernment. At times I am so blind and full of myself that I cannot see the delicate and gentle movements of God in the hearts of others. I want them to fulfill my expectations and mold them according to my will. I want to solve other people’s problems when I don’t or won’t even take the time to solve my own. I blame others for their troubles by saying “if you only have listened to me.”
I must always remember I am a tool of God, not the hand of God. I should always be ready to help but not get in the way due to my impatience. God’s ways and plans are not my way of doing things. I want instance obedience from others when I do not do the same. Let me just rejoice when God calls me to be a “chosen vessel”. (Acts 9:15).
Nothing more, nothing less!