True Christian Conduct - Part 2

True Christian Conduct (I Thessalonians 4:11)

Do Your Own Business (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 2

I Thessalonians 4:11, And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Remember, Paul had just instructed them to lead a quiet life. The best way to lead a quiet life is to mind your own business. Meddling in other people's business is anything but quiet and peaceful (Proverbs 26:17). It is likely that some of the Christians in Thessalonica had stopped working because they thought that Christ's return was imminent. With nothing to do, they had become busybodies, meddling in matters that did not concern them.

Paul is saying, "mind your own business." The word business here means practice or habit. This refers to one’s self. We have enough to take care for without trying to take care of someone else’s life. The best way to keep your nose out of someone else’s business is to keep your eyes on your own business. Warren Wiersbe says it well, “Idle people spend their time interfering with the affairs of others and getting themselves and others into trouble. Believers who are about the Father's business do not have the time—or desire—to meddle in the affairs of others.” The best practice is to mind your own business. We already have busy lives to lead. If we were busy taking care of our own business, we would not have so much time to be unnecessarily involved in others.

Unfortunately, many Christians are snooping in other people's business. Believers should never be involved in gossip or slander, but in love and labor for the Lord Jesus (I Peter 4:14-15). Christians should not be meddling but should concern themselves in taking care of their own affairs (in minding their own business). However, a Christian should always be ready to help others when their services are needed or called for. If you were to seek the Lord’s help concerning prevention from being led into temptation, do not be surprised if He leads you in a work keeping busy serving Him.

Paul and Solomon warned that people who meddle in your business will tell everyone your business (I Timothy 5:13; Proverbs 20:19). The talebearer goes about peddling people's business. The talebearer flatters people by sharing secrets with them. Keep in mind, that those who you reveal secrets to they will reveal your secrets to others. Unfortunately, some of the Thessalonians did not obey this command and Paul would write again to them concerning this matter (II Thessalonians 3:11).

A person meddles in the affairs of other because, by nature, they are critical and this is the life for them. This person fails to see their own faults and failures. This busybody is always examining the mote in the other person life rather than dealing with the beam in their own life (Matthew 7:1-3). Busybodies are often slothful servants. Gossips seldom do much work and are not productive in their time and efforts for the Lord. Every pastor would agree that the members who cause the most problems in church are the ones who never do anything.

There are busybodies everywhere. They create mischief wherever they are. Since the church comprises our spiritual life, it is most destructive when it’s within the church. Those who meddle in the affairs of others, neglect their own business and the work God has given them to do. They have failed to completely commit their life to the Lord. They need to become motivated in the mission of Christ. They need to become so occupied with the things of Christ that they have no time to meddle in the affairs of others.

Our life is to be focused on bringing glory to the name of Jesus. His instruction to His church is to mind our own business. If we would obey this command, our homes and churches would be a better place to be. If we will spend our life seeking to do the Father's will, then we will not have time to worry about what others are doing.

Points to Ponder:
We have an obligation to live a godly life, a quiet life, and to mind our own business.
The Word of God teaches us that we are to work persistently on our personal life.
Being about the work of the Great Commission is a sure way to be busy and productive in the work of the Lord.

Questions to Consider:
What are the times and places you find yourself the idlest?
Have you found yourself so busy in someone business that you missed doing the business of the Lord?
What is a ministry that you could become involved in to keep you busy for the Lord?

PRAYER: Lord, help me be busy in Your labor rather than in the affairs of others. In Jesus Name, AMEN!

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