MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR WHAT!
We often have heard the expression, “Mind your own business” or “Who are you to judge me?” Yet, according to Scripture, your business is mine in a certain sense and I am not the one judging you, Scripture is! I am but the instrument of God’s love in helping you recognize your situation out of concern for your eternal soul. My insights should be in conformity with charity and empathy in recognition of correction for your benefit not woe.
In Prov. 24:10-12 we read: If you remain indifferent in time of adversity, your strength will depart from you. “Rescue those who are being dragged to death (spiritual) and from those tottering to execution withdraw not. If you say, “I know not this man!” does not he who tests hearts perceive it? He who guards your life knows it and he will repay each one according to his deeds.” As a brother or sister in Christ we have an obligation as well as a responsibility to inform an individual that their words, behavior and actions, or acts of omission are contrary to God’s commandments and the virtues of love. Yet many rather choose a path of silence and just pray instead of recognizing that person is the prey of diabolical forces.
The question of whether Cain was his brother’s keeper or of the parable of the good Samaritan as to who my neighbor is, arises within our consciences. In Jude verses 22 & 23 we read, “Correct those who are confused; the others you must rescue, snatching them from the fire. Even with those you pity, be on your guard; abhor so much as their flesh-stained clothing.” In Ezekiel chapter 3, the Prophet as Watchman, tells us of the consequences if we fail to warn someone who is in active blatant sin that is hell-bound, “If I say to the wicked man, You shall surely die; and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked conduct so that he may live: that wicked man shall die for his sins, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, on the other hand, you have warned the wicked man, yet he has not turned away from his evil nor from his wicked conduct, then he shall die for his sin, but you shall save your life.”
Let us continue, “If a virtuous man turns away from virtue and does wrong when I place a stumbling block before him, he shall die. He shall die for his sin, and his virtuous deeds shall not be remembered; but I will hold you responsible for his death if you did not warn him. When, on the other hand, you have warned a virtuous man not to sin, and he has in fact not sinned, he shall surely live because of the warning and you shall save your own life.” Society today has a problem with defining sin! Many are ignorant of God’s Commandments. To some it is just the “10 Suggestions!” How many do you know that live in active mortal sin? Sensitive subjects! Should I be quiet and just accept their decision and choices? “When a man knows the right thing to do and does not do it, he sins.” (James 4:17) You can be God’s voice in that moment!
We as children of God are called to inform. God brings about the reform, transform, and conform. We often hear of a person being called to an “intervention” by family and friends who are concerned for the person. They are in need of revelation. Someone must reveal this to them in love and empathy, not being judgmental but concerned. They may recognize they have an issue, but the realization is either being ignored or neglected. In Isaiah 59:14-16...”Right is repelled and justice stands far off; for truth stumbles in the public square, uprightness cannot enter. Honesty is lacking and the man who turns from evil is despoiled. The Lord saw this and was aggrieved that right did not exist. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was none to intervene.”
While we live, we have opportunities to intervene in the lives of those on the road to perdition. Paul tells Timothy in his Apostolic Charge...”I charge you to preach the Word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient – correcting, reproving, appealing – constantly teaching and never losing patience. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and wander off to fables. As for you, be steady and self-possessed; put up with hardship, perform your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (1 Tim 4:2-5) WE ARE ALL EVANGELIST! Do we stay indifferent and just deny, ignore, or neglect. Choose then. “What good is it to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of your soul!” (Mark 8:36)