"Busybodies Needed"

 

“Busybodies Needed”

 

We’ve all run into people who seem to think everyone else’s business is theirs as well. They ask probing personal questions and can be offended if they’re not answered. They delight in juicy tidbits of gossip, rumors and innuendo and are quick to make sure others know it as well (“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a {person’s} inmost parts.”—Proverbs 18:8). Years ago a TV commercial for a “newspaper” dedicated to exposing “the truth” about people and events included a reader’s saying, “I want to know!” Why? Maybe to try to prove they’re “not so bad” when compared to others.

A term used to describe such an

 individual is busybody, defined as one who inserts him/herself into the affairs of others without invitation. They do so because of insecurity, pride or simply not having enough to do. While it’s prevalent in today’s culture it goes back to ancient times—Proverbs deals with related subjects such as gossip (11:13), betraying confidences (20:19), backbiting (25:23, NKJV) and slander (10:18). In the first century it crept into the church which Paul confronted head-on: “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Apparently some had stopped working because they believed Jesus would return quickly thus sponged off others. The Greek word means literally working around and carries the idea of accomplishing nothing worthwhile. (A similar statement is found in 1 Timothy 5:13.) A few years later in 1 Peter 4:15 the Apostle uses the term “meddler”, or inserting oneself into others’ business. This continues to plague the church and cause divisions, often “…(separating) close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9).

Do we need busybodies? Certainly not in the sense described above but we do in a much more positive way. Following his doctrinal treatise on God’s plan of salvation (Romans 1-11) Paul calls for his readers’ (and our) response: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1, NLT, emphasis added). Put another way, we’re to be busybodies about living for and serving our Lord. In writing to his protégé the Apostle builds on this theme: “If (one is cleansed, one) will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). If we keep our hearts, minds and bodies busy about God’s business rather than that of others wouldn’t the church be enriched? That’s the kind of busybodies He needs—will we (I) be one for Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Hobbies"

 

“Hobbies”

 

In television’s early days a local station in New York City aired a children’s program called “The Small Fry Club”. By today’s standards it would have been considered trite but it taught values in ways preschoolers and early grade schoolers of that era could understand. One emphasis was on developing healthy hobbies using a jingle, part of which said, “Everyone should find yourself a hobby; it keeps you wide awake and happy too.” It’s still good advice seven decades later.

A hobby is a leisure activity which is fun to do in one’s spare time. The possibilities are virtually limitless—just take a stroll around Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and see what’s offered with arts and crafts. Other areas include collecting particular items, travel, sports, learning new skills and a host of other endeavors to help deal with life’s stressful situations.

Properly utilized, hobbies can have great value in bringing order to our lives. However, we mustn’t allow them to so control us that they negatively impact our family life, work performance or relationship with God. It’s always a good idea to periodically take personal inventory to be sure our priorities are in order (“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”—Lamentations 3:40).

A youth evangelist from years ago (his name escapes me after decades) observed that from His youth Jesus maintained a healthy balance in four key areas of His life summarized in Luke 2:52: “…Jesus grew in wisdom (mental) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and (people) (social).” He’s “…(left us) an example, that (we) should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21), one which is certainly worth imitating (“As children copy their fathers you, as God’s children, are to copy him.” (Ephesians 5:1, PH).

One more thought: Is reading, studying and meditating on and living out God’s Word a hobby or regular practice in my life? God told Joshua about 3500 years ago, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). He says the same to me (and you) today. May we move from hobby to habit in this key area of our lives.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Sports by the Numbers"

 

“Sports by the Numbers”

 

When we attend a high level sporting event it’s easy to identify the players by the number worn on the back and (in most cases) the name above it. However, such wasn’t always the case. While the NFL used numbers on the back from its inception in 1921 and the NBA did likewise from its inaugural season in 1946 the NHL did so on armbands beginning in 1911. Major League Baseball (MLB), however, went almost three decades making fans try to figure out who was who before using numbers:

*The Indians and Yankees began so identifying players in 1929 (all teams did so by 1937).

*Originally they indicated a place in the batting order or the fielding position but now are randomly assigned.

*The While Sox began using names as well as numbers in 1960. The team’s owner, Bill Veeck, was widely ridiculed for blazing this trail but today only one major sports team (the Yankees) hasn’t adopted it in some fashion.

MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL have retired over 200 numbers to honor past greats (players, managers, coaches) as well as in memory of those who passed away prematurely. The Boston Celtics have put the most in mothballs (24) followed by the Yankees (22). And three numbers are no longer assigned by their leagues: 42 (MLB) honoring Jackie Robinson), 99 (NHL) for Wayne Gretzky and 6 (NBA) recognizing Bill Russell.

Today the most significant number for any of us is the one assigned by the Social Security Administration. (And it’s also the one crooks try to capture to steal identities so guard it carefully.) We can’t conduct our lives without it—try opening a bank account or getting a driver’s license. Sounds pretty impersonal, doesn’t it?

While athletes are identified by uniform numbers and U.S. citizens by a Social Security number aren’t you glad (I certainly am) that

 we’re not a number but a name to God? He told His prophets, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you….” (Jeremiah 1:5) and “…I have written your name on my hand.” (Isaiah 49:16, NLT, emphasis added). Jesus Himself indicated how well God knows each of us (“…The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”—Matthew 10:30). Think of the times God called His servants by name (e.g. Abraham, Moses, Samuel), not SSN 123-45-6789, and rejoice. Let’s be thankful, too, that “(He loves us) with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Dress Up Day"

 

“Dress Up Day”

 

During my high school years the Student Government designated Fridays as “Dress Up Day”. The usual daily attire back then was what would be viewed today as dressy casual (jeans and shorts for all and pants for girls were no-no’s) but “Sunday best” was encouraged on the last day of the school week. Some always complied, some occasionally (including yours truly) and others never. It’s interesting that today’s culture often calls Friday “Dress Down Day”—check it out the next time you’re in a bank or professional office—one of the myriad of changes we’ve seen over the past couple of generations.

In the Old Testament priestly garments were made and worn according to God’s directions. An entire chapter (Exodus 28) is devoted to these instructions and in the next chapter (29:29-30) the clothing to be worn by the high priest receives special emphasis because of his unique responsibilities. Each part of the priestly attire symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites and ultimately pointed to Christ.

One of the pictures of our lives as God’s people is how we “dress”. The New Testament word translated “clothe” or “put on” appears 28 times and likens our new life in Christ to donning new garments. Some examples include (emphasis added in each case):

*”…Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24).

*”Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light.” (Romans 13:12, NLT—see also Ephesians 6:11).

*”Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

One more merits our attention; “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another….” (1 Peter 5:5). The Greek word is used only here in the New Testament and refers to a servant’s apron. Think of the many possible applications to our life and service.

What’s our “Dress Up Day”? Based on the above statements shouldn’t it be every day? So let’s “Dress (ourselves) in Christ, and be up and about.” (Romans 13:14, TM).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For more on how this figure is used see the series of ten articles beginning with “Dressing Ourselves” as well as “A Routine Day?”)