By Mellisha Carter-Linton
This message is for the people who made mistakes in life, who had their hearts broken (the mere humans), and who were the victims of harsh judgement from people (the perfect people).
In John 8:1–11, a woman caught in the very act of adultery was brought to Jesus. Her accusers wanted to stone her to death because she was a sinner (there is no mention of the person she was with). Listening to them, Jesus wrote on the ground and then told them that the person without sin should cast the first stone at her. No one dared. They all left.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
It is very important that we remain focused on achieving our goals both professionally and personally, which means we should set aside all forms of distraction. I have found that an easy way to get distracted is by being nosy and getting involved in other people’s business, like gossiping about them.
I am not saying that if you see someone who has a genuine need, you should ignore them; no, we should be the hands and feet of Jesus and offer assistance where we can. I am talking about taking on the title of “busybody” or being a “modern-day Sherlock Holmes”, searching for clues not with a magnifying glass but with a smart phone (for worldwide distribution of the findings).
A COMMON DISTRACTION
According to Google’s Oxford Languages, gossip is “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.” Basically, idle people sit down (or stand) and make up stories about other people, or better yet, if they hear one thing about you, they add some seasoning to make it more sensational, then pass it on.
Why do people engage in such destructive chatter, which most times does not add value to themselves or the person(s) with whom they are discussing? Well, it’s a good way to pass time, especially if you have nothing better to do. Some will even try to get you to join them and meddle in other people’s lives. (Take my advice: do not take the bait)
WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON’T MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
In Acts 19:11–16, we encounter the Apostle Paul, whom God was using to do great works. “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” (NIV)
The sons of Sceva never knew Jesus or anything about the power that Paul had; they heard him calling on the name of Jesus and decided that they were going to follow him. The result was injury and embarrassment.
In 1 Peter 4:14–16, it states that “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (NIV).
(Lesson: It is better to suffer for something worthwhile.)
REASONS TO FOCUS ON YOU
- When you are focused on achieving your goals, you will become more successful because there is no competition in your lane.
- Nobody focuses on your affairs when you are obsessed with other people’s business.
- Sometimes looks are deceiving: the grass over the neighbour’s yard may be green because of colouring, and ever so often, they have to re-apply. Or they bought some rolls of grass.
So, use your time to water your own grass instead of looking over the neighbour’s fence at theirs.
(Lesson: Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses.)
I’m sure you don’t want to get to retirement and have nothing to show for your time on earth.
Finally, remember that when we judge, we will be judged by the same measure and judgement we use (Matthew 7:1–2).
Could you handle your own judgement and measurement?
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An internal auditor, mentor and Christian life coach, Mellisha enjoys working with young people, especially motivating girls. She is author of the book “From Bitterness to Betterness: Principles to Change Your Outlook on Life.”
Contact Mellisha at [email protected], 876-214-6740, mellishacarterwrites on Instagram and Facebook.
