“Some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people’s business.” 2 Thes 3:11
We all know a “Nosey Rosey” and you may be one! People who pry into your business and ask incessant questions about your life are meddlers. I am so filled with gratitude that neither my mother nor my mommy-in-law were meddlers. God gave me such a gift in each of them. I was able to build and live my life with my husband and call on each of them for help, reassurance, counsel and love. NEVER did they meddle in my business! Praise the Lord.
People who ask you “what size is that dress?” “how much did that car cost?” “how can you afford that?” are meddlers. In some cultures this isn’t considered rude but it is in God’s culture. Even a person who is sincere in their inquiry is still meddling! How about the friend that asks “what did the doctor say about your check-up?”; you may not be ready to share information with anyone, let alone a friend even though they mean no harm.
If you are naturally curious (I am usually talking too much to ask lots of questions—I’ll just tell you the answers to your own story HA—that type of tongue comes on later…) you should be mindful of the tendency to ask questions that are prying.
On the flip side we need to respond to meddlers in a Godly way. Sometimes light humor works, “How much was that dress?” “Less than five thousand dollars thank goodness.” You can always resort to “that’s personal or confidential.” It isn’t your responsibility how the person receives your message as long as you deliver it in a Godly fashion with pure motives.
The Word says that meddlers “are like one who takes a dog by the ears.” Pro 26:17. Have you ever pulled a dog’s ear? Yeah, me too and I got a big snip right on my hand. Dogs ears are sensitive just like people with their own business.
In the words of my bro-in-law, Jeffrey, “mind yo business!” And God, well He says that meddling is a sin, like murder and stealing (1 Peter 4:15).
Two more nuggets of wisdom: Betty Jean would say, “Don’t poop where you eat” and that means more than sharing about yourself, it also means not getting too cozy and into co-workers lives! When things happen, and life always does, the meddlers are usually the first to be pointed at, suspected, let go, etc.
Nugget Two: One reason why people who mind their business are successful? They have so little competition. Think about it...
Affirmation: I am genuinely interested in others and only seek information from them that will allow me to serve, love and support them better. AMEN
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