For all the good Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can bring to our lives, including allowing us to keep in touch with family and friends, these social media sites can also be stumbling blocks. One of my friends has started limiting the amount of time she spends on social media because she found herself becoming increasingly consumed with the lives of her online friends. Yep, she struggles with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram nosiness. But she’s not the only one.
All of us struggle with being nosy and not minding our own business at times. We can often find ourselves checking out what’s happening to people of similar callings. Ministers often follow other preachers. Musicians find themselves checking up on other music-makers. Writers tend to delve into the life and times of other wordsmiths. As we sink into nosy behavior, we can take our eyes off Jesus and begin to lose our love for Him and forget to be grateful for what He’s done in our lives.
When Jesus reinstated Peter (John 21:15-17), the apostle immediately took his eyes off of the Savior and asked Him if John would suffer the same way he would (John 21:21). Considering Peter’s query, Jesus basically replied, Don’t worry about him. Keep your focus on Me (John 21:22).
As we follow Him, our focus becomes Christ-centered and not centered on what’s happening in the lives of others. This may mean, among other things, limiting social media to stave off unhealthy nosiness. It also entails seeking God and His wisdom in dealing with the temptations and sins that come calling in our own lives. As we submit to the power of Christ, He frees us from being caught-up in the lives of others in an unhealthy way. He provides the view we need!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 1:35-51
More:
Take a look at Psalm 34:5 and think about what happens when we turn our gaze to Jesus.
Next:
In what ways do you struggle with being nosy about what’s happening in others’ lives? How can you make Jesus and His provision for you your true focus?
Gary Shultz on June 17, 2015 at 6:12 am
Many of we older folks are not paced with all the social media, not that it is always a bad thing, it’s a fast thing. Hey, gossip can’t even be enjoyed any more, it’s rapid fire. I do personally think some of the desire is to be critical and comparative. Well look what they’re doing, making ourselves look better in our own eyes. I’m sure there are many friendly contacts, but as you indicate is all of this healthy? And the other thing we have much to do in our own personal walk and duty to Christ. The little blurt “Mind your own business” is not always bad. Thanks for the thought.
tgustafs on June 17, 2015 at 7:36 am
What a pertinent post! This is such an insidious temptation, we don’t even realize when we’re succumbing to it.
Marlena Graves on June 17, 2015 at 9:15 pm
Our over-the-top nosiness can turn into envy and kill us. That is why my friend limited her social media and I often and do and need to more at this time. Yes, and as far as minding our own business – it’s not meant to be mean – it’s more of if we keep our gaze on Christ and not others – we’ll have more peace.