BUSYBODIES
I Peter 4:15-17
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
At first glance, it seems strange to include being a busybody in the list of other horrible sins – like murder, stealing, and doing evil. After all, meddling in someone else's life can't be that bad, can it? The idea behind the Greek word for "busybody" seems to apply to people who try to correct other people's faults while ignoring their own. That's why Peter says that judgment needs to begin in the Church among Christians. Before trying to take the speck out of someone else's eye, I need to remove the log in my own (Matthew 7:3-5). God calls me to judge myself so that I will not be judged (I Corinthians 11:31). By judging myself, I take away the basis for other people to judge me. If my heart and my life are pure, then I remove the legitimacy of the accusations. If I suffer for my failures, I should be ashamed because I deserve it. But if I suffer innocently, then I need not be ashamed and God is glorified. In the end, sinners will answer to God for their own evil deeds.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Christian who judge themselves and live pure lives need not be ashamed when persecuted for their faith.
[end]
Have a "self-judging" day. Love you.
I Peter 4:15-17
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
At first glance, it seems strange to include being a busybody in the list of other horrible sins – like murder, stealing, and doing evil. After all, meddling in someone else's life can't be that bad, can it? The idea behind the Greek word for "busybody" seems to apply to people who try to correct other people's faults while ignoring their own. That's why Peter says that judgment needs to begin in the Church among Christians. Before trying to take the speck out of someone else's eye, I need to remove the log in my own (Matthew 7:3-5). God calls me to judge myself so that I will not be judged (I Corinthians 11:31). By judging myself, I take away the basis for other people to judge me. If my heart and my life are pure, then I remove the legitimacy of the accusations. If I suffer for my failures, I should be ashamed because I deserve it. But if I suffer innocently, then I need not be ashamed and God is glorified. In the end, sinners will answer to God for their own evil deeds.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Christian who judge themselves and live pure lives need not be ashamed when persecuted for their faith.
[end]
Have a "self-judging" day. Love you.
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