And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you
-1 Thessalonians 4:11
I know that the title for today's Marriage Moment sounds a little rude, but if you know me, you know that it is not. I am not telling you this as the mean kid on the playground or the sassy lady with an attitude. I am telling you one sister to another -- mind your own business! If you want peace, a sound mind, and more energy to do what matters -- mind your own business! God reminded me of this great peace of wisdom just this morning. I woke up twirling something over and over in my mind. I noticed an issue yesterday with someone who I love and respect greatly. I reached out, but I got a response that caused me even more concern. The person wasn't rude to me or anything, but I know where this road leads. I see the warning signs and flashing lights that say "stop" and "danger". I wanted to offer my opinion about the matter. I wanted to offer well-meaning advice. Yet, as I lay in my bed rolling the whole thing over in my mind I clearly heard God say that it was none of my business. He was right (as always). It really isn't. The issue that I saw really doesn't concern me directly. It involves other adults making decisions that they feel is best for something that belongs to them -- not me. I have to be careful because I will get so involved that the issue will get into my heart and affect how I see people. It will affect my thoughts about those people. It will affect how I treat people. I can't afford to let that happen. So, why would I get involved? Why do I have an opinion that I think needs to be shared? Yes, we must care for each other and help our loved ones to avoid pitfalls. However, that doesn't mean that we take on the care of others or prevent them from growing through their own challenges. It is in my nature to defend those who I think need defending or speak for those who I think have no voice, but is every battle really mine? I am a wife, mother, writer, minister, educator, friend, sister,etc., etc., etc. Do I really have the time and energy to take on things that do not belong to me? Maybe I am so busy being "every woman" and "superwoman" that I am not being the woman God created me to be. Every issue is not your issue. Your friends stuff is not your stuff. Your husbands stuff is not your stuff. Listen to them. Love on them. But don't internalize it and make it yours. Devote your energy to what God has put in your hands -- your spouse, your children, your ministry, your career. So, when something comes up at church or at work that doesn't concern you directly -- that's not your business. When you see something crazy that isn't personal -- that's not your business. Imagine all the time and freedom you are going to have when you focus only on the things that God tells you to! My quote for today: that's none of my business!
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