Indifference, Diligence, Interference

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 12
“Mind your own business!” or “That’s none of your business!” are expressions often heard in the world, which don’t have their place among the children of God. The Word of God exhorts us not to be busybodies in others’ affairs (1 Peter 4:1515But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (1 Peter 4:15)). In 1 Thessalonians 4:1111And 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) we are exhorted to “mind [our] own affairs” (JND). This is good advice for us all.
However, the Word also presents verses for a balance. Tychicus, a dearly beloved brother, seemed to possess a certain delicacy or tact in communicating the affairs of saints. In Ephesians 6:21-2221But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. (Ephesians 6:21‑22) Paul sent him to the brethren to inform them of his affairs. There were those things the Apostle wanted the brethren to know and for which, no doubt, he valued their prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving to the Lord.
In addition, in Colossians 4:77All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: (Colossians 4:7), Tychicus, while coming to inform the saints of the affairs concerning Paul (vss. 78), was also to take account of the affairs of the saints there—to pray for them intelligently and to help in any way Paul and others could.
In these examples, we see that among members of the body of Christ, the concerns of one are the concerns of the other—shared in discretion, mutual respect and free exchange with a view to being a help. May we, by God’s grace and as taught by the Spirit, be full of love for one another, taking account of each other’s business, yet walking the narrow line of diligent concern—between the extremes of indifference and interference (Phil. 2:2121For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:21)).
May our interest in one another be the outflow of divine love. Oh that we would be kept from trespassing into unwholesome curiosity and carnal activity as that of the idle women who wandered about as busybodies in the affairs of others (1 Tim. 5:1313And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)).
My affairs are your affairs and yours are mine in the measure that they are the affairs of Jesus Christ and that we are ready to do something for each other in this respect, caring “with genuine feeling” how we mutually get on (Phil. 2:2020For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. (Philippians 2:20) JND).
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:22Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)).
M. Payette