“Don’t meddle in the business of others. Don’t be an eavesdropper, attempting to overhear what is being said or done in your neighbor’s house. Wide ears and long tongues come together. Those who love to hear everything that may be told (to them) also love to blab it out.
“When everyone is busy looking into the affairs of others, trouble is near. Busybodies will forever find fault with their neighbors, their families, with the government, and with the church. They are an unquiet kind of people. They are forever looking for something they can dislike. They are never content.
“From such people come private whispering, slander, backbiting, mutiny, conspiracy, treason, and the utter decay of society.”
The Bishop of Salisbury wrote this in the 16th Century. Evidently, it was a problem for many during his day; likewise, it is a problem today. The phrase “unquiet kind of people” is revealing. One of the effects of the work of the Holy Spirit is to quiet the heart. Inward fulfillment—a healthy love of God, self, and others—is the work of God through faith. If one is whole on the inside, there is not a need to find something on the outside to bring fulfillment. Therefore, seek the Holy Spirit, allow God to transform from the inside out.
This Week’s Readings:
- Monday – John 21
- Tuesday – 1 John 1
- Wednesday – 1 John 2
- Thursday – 1 John 3
- Friday – 1 John 4
- Families in crisis.
- Loved ones battling illness.
- Those seeking to find their way.
- The St. Paul Church family.
- The United Methodist Church.
- Our leaders, our country, and our world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6