Mind Your Own Business

“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17 (KJV)

One of the many traits shared by humans and animals is curiosity. We all begin as infants, developing our senses to discover the world around us. As we grow, so does our desire to explore our environment. We also learn to interact with other humans and animals through emotions.

Curiosity can be magical – opening a new world of experiences. It can also destroy relationships. The problem is personal space. Where does one's personal space end and another person’s begin? When does concern become nosy, a request for prayer become gossip, or a friendship become hurt feelings and loss of trust?

An intrusion on personal space can cause damage.

My oldest dachshund is eleven years old, and the youngest is one and one-half, with several in between. They have a pecking order, not necessarily by age, and usually adhere to it. Occasionally, one will meddle in another's business and conflict results. I must then step in and resolve the issue.

The Lord speaks to us throughout Scripture about minding our own business. He wants us to be concerned for each other. However, as our Creator, He understands our natural curiosity. There is a fine line between genuine care and interfering. We will eventually bring trouble onto ourselves by pushing into the business of others.

Respect the personal space of others as we would have them respect ours. Curb the curiosity and show true love and support for those who need it, because Christ’s love is in us.

Dear Lord,
Help me to be mindful of the line between true concern and meddling.

Here Comes Trouble

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
 Romans 8: 37  (KJV)

Everyone has trouble on occasion. It can come because of the decisions we make or through no fault of our own. When it comes often or for a long period, discouragement can easily set in.

With writing deadlines, I planned my week so that I would have no problem meeting each one. The dachshunds like to nap under my computer desk while I work, usually without incident. Everything unraveled when one of them crawled out from under my desk wrapped in computer cords. He had chewed the data cable to my WiFi router into several pieces.  Without WiFi access, my work halted.

Although, my troubles were not life altering, they still disrupted my plans. I was forced to stop what I was doing and change course. Obligations failed to be met.

The Lord knows that we will have times in our life when trouble will interfere with our plans. It could be a simple irritation like a chewed data cable. However, it might be devastating news about health, injury, or death.

Jesus offers comfort and strength to face whatever trouble we face. He is our haven of rest. Reach out to Him in prayer, then have faith that He will carry you through.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving me strength, through faith, to face whatever trouble comes into my life.

Rescue Me

“God is our strength, a very present help in trouble.”-Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

My Catahoula just turned ten years old. He came into my life by accident as a seven or eight week old pup. The couple that introduced us had discovered him in a shallow ditch next to their driveway on a busy highway. They were on their way to the animal shelter, but stopped at my place of employment in one last effort to place him.

I already had a houseful of miniature dachshunds. I wasn’t looking for another dog, especially a large one. However, this pup, with his long legs and huge paws, grabbed my attention. He had already been thrown away once and was about to be tossed out again. Unwanted, unloved, and in need of rescue. I brought him home.

The four-pound puppy that I brought home is now a happy, healthy, fifty-pound dog. He is an accepted member of the family and brings adventure and enrichment to my life. Taking a chance on him ensured his security.

Jesus made a point of searching out those in need. He touched lepers, strengthened crippled legs with a word, wept in sorrow, heard questions about God, and saw a hungry multitude gathered to hear His teachings.

He knew the needs of the people. The sick, both physically and spiritually, required attention. When the Pharisees observed Jesus sitting down to dine with publicans and sinners, they questioned why. Upon hearing it, Jesus answered, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” – Matthew 9:12.

People are still in need of rescue. Only Jesus knows what will make us whole. Just like the couple that brought an unwanted pup to me, we are to bring those in need of rescue to Jesus. At His feet, they will find healing and love.

Dear Lord, 
Thank you for rescuing me – I am secure in Your salvation and love.