Mind Your Own Business

Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved…Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” John 21:20-21 (NLT)

I came across an inspiring article in Woman’s World this week. It was titled, “102-year-old woman shares the hilariously simple habit that has helped her live a long life.”

The first habit the elderly woman listed was, minding her own business. She said she doesn’t get involved in other people’s business unless she has to. Adding that, instead of visiting others to gossip, she would rather sit at home and read her Bible.

That is exactly what she does, she reads the whole Bible yearly (Genesis to Revelation). The writer concluded that, since 15 minutes of reading daily improves brain function as we age, it’s no wonder she is still so sharp!

As much as the Christian journey is based on fellowship with other Christians, it is also an individual journey with God. Once the individual relationship with God is right, then we’ll function better in our fellowship with others.

In today’s passage, Jesus was telling Peter what his future would be like as His follower. Peter sees John, gets distracted and asks, “What about him?” Jesus replies, “What is it to you? You, follow me.” In other words, Jesus was saying to him, “Mind your own business!”

While on this journey, there is the tendency to get distracted with other Christians’ journeys with the Lord. By comparing our lives, gifts and actions. Comparing the way God deals with us and others – their blessings, mistakes, talents and so on.

God uniquely created every one of us for his glory and purpose and to complement each other. Therefore, we cannot be puffed up or look down on ourselves or others. Instead, we need to embrace who we are in Christ and use our gifts, talents, skills, knowledge, and experiences to the best of our ability to advance the work of God.

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Roman 12: 4-5 (NLT)

Comparing yourself to others can be the devil’s way of distracting you from doing your part in the body of Christ. So, when the tendency to compare arises or to have a little chat about someone else, just take Jesus’ advice and mind your own business. You need to remember that in the end, you are accountable for yourself before God.

“Therefore, each one must answer for himself and give a personal account of his own life before God.” Roman 14:12 (TPT)

I love this version:

“…So mind your own business. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.” Roman 14:12 (The Message)

Stay blessed,

Lara