When I feel things are getting too much, I stop and ask myself, “Why do I feel like this? What am I trying to do? Is it my business to fix every problem that I see?”
And most of the time I find that things are getting too much because I was busy with things that were none of my business. In other words, the truth is that I was still a busybody – I was busy with things that had nothing to do with me.
It’s a dangerous habit
We read in 1 Peter 4:15: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” It’s interesting that being a busybody is mentioned in the same sentence as thieves and murderers. A busybody can cause a lot of pain. Busybodies have broken up friendships, planted distrust, damaged self-worth, destroyed lives – and much more.
Most of us have experienced people meddling into our affairs and have felt the pain it causes. And the sad fact is that we have also probably done the same to others.
A busybody often means well and may have good intentions and true care, therefore it is so very hard to see that I’m a busybody, and maybe even harder to admit. I can think I know what another person is thinking or why they are doing certain things based on what I see or hear or think I understand. But the fact is that only God can see into the other person’s heart and when I try to “help” I can be totally wrong.
We read about Jesus in Isaiah 11:3 (BSB): “And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear.” Jesus did not judge by what His eyes saw, nor by what His ears heard and as a follower of Him it’s my business to do the same.
What does minding my own business mean?
Minding my own business does not mean that I do nothing and people can just ”walk over” me.
Minding my own business does mean that I listen to what God wants me to do. When I see something and immediately have something to say, I am learning that usually the best thing for me to do at that moment is to keep quiet and examine myself. Why do I have to say something right away? Am I offended? Am I just curious to know more? Do I have a selfish reason for saying this? Maybe I just want to be the first person to reach out and help, and I may not actually be the best person to do so.
Here I am learning to be quiet and awake to what God wants to point out to me about myself, first. Then maybe I’m still able to reach out and help – but in true goodness and selflessness. And just as often I find that it is indeed better for me to remain silent and pray for the person or situation instead.
What about the others?
That is none of my business.
What about when they say things about me?
I believe in a loving God, who judges righteously and makes sure that nothing will happen to me that I can’t bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Romans 8:28.)
If I start to think about what others are thinking or saying about me, I begin to meddle into their business and I open my mind to unnecessary pain and sorrow. Judgmental thoughts, low self-esteem, suspicion, jealousy, anger, bitterness – every evil thing will come in!
“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 (NLT).
What is my business?
My business is to make sure that my life is in order with God’s Word.
“O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NLT).
When I’m minding my own business, I can be truly good to my fellow man. I examine my own thoughts and my actions – are they well-pleasing to God? I am more aware to the needs of those around me, exactly where I am placed. Sometimes it’s just a simple smile. I find that my heart is open to people and I can give all that I am and have to the service and well-being of those God puts me in contact with, especially to other believers. (Galatians 6:10.)
All of this is what God works in my heart when I am minding my own business.
A key to happiness
True happiness only comes when I live before God's face alone – away from the praise or criticism of others, really free from all people. There before His face, He can teach me how to live. “You will teach me how to live a holy life. Being with you will fill me with joy; at your right hand I will find pleasure forever.” Psalm 16:11 (NCV).
My business is all I can handle – no more and no less, it is all I have grace for, all that I will give account for at the end of my life.
Minding my own business is a key to a lifetime of happiness.