MY BLOGS

Recently the phrase, “Who died and made you king of anything” from the song “King of Anything” from Sarah Bareilles stopped me in my tracks. Here’s an excerpt from the lyrics:

“You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to 'em, but I never asked
So let me thank you for your time,
And try not to waste anymore of mine
And get out of here fast

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything? So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?”

In summary it says, who assigned you authority to provide unsolicited advice? That hit close to home. I wish I could say that it’s not true in my own life. But several times, I have landed in trouble because I’ve provided unsolicited advice especially to my adult children.

Let’s get back to meddle. Merriman-Webster’s dictionary defines meddling as “to interest oneself in what is not one’s concern; interfere without right or propriety.” Something that is not my or your concern… What about you? Have you busied yourself with something that should be none of your concern?

Other synonyms and terms related to meddle are hinder, impede, impose, pry into, disrupt, give trouble. This sounds the same as being is “busy body”. You are busy with business that’s not yours to deal with. You hinder more than helping.

None of the above predicates sounds appealing to me. Nevertheless, we continue to be our own downfall.

Meddling feels to me like a “termite” kind of sin. Let me explain what I mean. A piece of termite infested wood could look good on the outside but be rotten inside. As pressure is applied to the wood, it buckles and falls apart under the weight of the applied pressure. It’s the same with meddling. We undermine our own credibility, without even recognizing it. Our relationships become strained. Peace flees out of the door. Fatigue sets in. Our pain ramps up. We buckle and fall apart.

What does Scripture tell us about meddling and busy bodies?

The Apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy (1) and the Thessalonians (2) (3), advised not to be irresponsible and meddle in other people’s affairs but rather focus on your own business. The Apostle Peter (4) mentioned “prying into other people’s affairs” in the same sentence as murder and stealing−thought provoking. These wise men were compelled to warn the earlier Christians against the undermining effects of meddling.

The more I despise this “meddling” label and not wanting to be associated with it, the more I am convicted of this ugly sin deeply rooted in my heart. It’s for the better of my soul to be exposed for who and what I am. Only then can I kneel in my brokenness before the Father, accept his love and let him heal me.

O Lord, I am guilty of meddling, in my kids’ lives and in my work environment. Thank you for making me aware of the far-reaching effects of meddling. I don’t want to meddle anymore. Uproot this sin in my life. Please forgive me. And forgive me for the hurt that I have caused. Cleanse my heart. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to focus on you and you alone. I want to live for your glory! Amen.

Remember when I started the LIVE LIGHT series, I referred to the Scripture−let us throw off anything that bears us down? (5) Therefore, stop meddling. Rather focus on your own business. Reserve your advice for those asking for it.

Again, a reminder to reach out to a qualified professional to assist with your emotional healing. I would love to hear how you’re faring in this “new normal” of our current circumstances. May God bless you and keep you. Leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time!

Anita Beukman

Your Hope Coach

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