“ Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more. Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”- 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

The word of God is telling us today to mind our business; or better still, face our jobs. Of course, you may legitimately interfere in some issues for the sake of correcting abnormalities or to protect lives and properties. However, there are several instances when we are simply being nosy in people’s affairs. There are several reasons we have to mind our business. 1. To protect lives and properties: Some have carelessly caused the death of others through spreading false information, or through gossiping one person to another. When we spread false information or half - truths, we create strife and quarrels. This is not healthy for our families. The effect of gossips is overwhelming; gossips tear family apart and melt down friendship; in very serious situations, gossips have caused deaths and untold hardships to many families. The bible tells us in Proverbs 26:20-21 that; “where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no gossip, contention ceases. Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife”. 2.) To keep you strong and safe. When you spread wrong information about others and you get caught for lying, you jeopardize your life and that of your family members, especially if another’s reputation is damaged in the process.

Proverbs 26:17 says; “Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears”. Therefore, save yourself from unnecessary suffering and be extremely careful not to meddle with others business, except someone solicits your genuine counsel. 3.) To keep you focused on your job. In 1 Timothy 5:12-14, the early Christians were condemned by the Apostles for setting aside God’s work and meddling with others affairs. At the same time, they also learnt how to be lazy while going from house to house. Not only this, but they even became gossips and kept busy by interfering in other people’s lives, saying things they should not say. In view of this unhealthy lifestyle, younger widows were advised to remarry, have children, manage their homes, and not give the enemy any chance to ridicule them. 4.) Gossips and rumoring creates unhealthy opportunity to twist facts and misinterprets genuine statements. Once, the disciples rumored and gossiped about Jesus among themselves and misinterpreted what Jesus had said concerning John – one of the twelve. And so, they came to a very wrong conclusion that Jesus had said that John would not see death until the second coming of Jesus Christ. Whereas, Jesus did not say so. (John 21:15-23). Beloved, be very careful; a stitch in time, saves nine!

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, today, I silence and rebuke every spirit of gossips and rumour mongering in my life and in my family. Lord, instill in me a new and a right spirit that I may continue to bear your testimony throughout my life. Today, I declare that my family is healthy and safe from the evil and vicious torments of the evil ones. Thank you Jesus for I am free indeed. AMEN