Civilian Pursuits

“Mind your own business!” So goes the common retort. Typically spoken in moments of heated discussion, childish quarrels, or hot political debates, it’s a very common way of expressing disgust when someone pokes their nose into a subject or conversation not immediately pertaining to them. We label such intrusions as “nosy” or impertinent. Someone inappropriately crossed a boundary and the intrusion was unwelcome. More often than not we should strive to butt out where we don’t belong. However, this is often easier said than done.

We live in an age where everyone seems to know everyone else’s business. With the advent of smartphones, micro cameras on every object, and numerous gossip channels, it appears nothing is sacred anymore. Our ears never tire of hearing the tantalizing morsels of gossip quips and unfounded rumors (Proverbs 18:8). Yet, as children of God, we’ve been called to a much higher standard of living. As the apostle Paul so aptly encouraged his young apprentice, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits.”

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

2 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)

As Christians, we’ve been drafted, so to speak, into a holy army. Our recruits have relinquished all personal rights, demands and ambitions for the sake of the calling of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:20). In return, we receive the unsurpassed privilege of serving a holy, benevolent dictator who entrusts us with the great task of enlisting and equipping as many fellow soldiers as possible. Our enemy never tires, and the battles are bloody and costly (1 Peter 5:8). To thwart our antagonists’ constant attacks, our vigilance cannot waiver and we must remain in peak condition.

In today’s indulgent society, it’s easy to become complacent, distracted, or engulfed in worthless endeavors. Too many of our fellow infantryman have chosen to engage in common civilian pursuits. They spend their time debating worthless political issues, whining about systemic injustice, and pushing social causes with a cringe worthy self-righteous air. However, I’m afraid such members of our ranks are often battling on the wrong front. They regard theological debates and social media memes as an opportunity to weigh in with inexperienced opinions. It seems the less they’ve accomplished or learned from productive living, the more they have to say on a subject. As a result, precious time is wasted and another soldier falls on the battlefield.

If we desire to extinguish such foolish busybodies from our ranks, we must begin by resisting our own temptation to butt in where we don’t belong. As a soldier remains silent until spoken too by his commanding officer, so we must shut our mouths until the Holy Spirit gives us leave to speak. (John 12:49-50) Often laziness remains the chief cause for nosiness. It seems the less a person works hard and pursues meaningful tasks, the more opinions they contribute.

But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Thessalonians 4: 10-12 (ESV)

My family and I live deep in Amish country. While we are not “plain living” ourselves, we receive the opportunity to observe the local community on a regular basis. Regardless of what you might think of the lifestyle, one thing can certainly be said, they are extremely diligent workers. The main aspiration of the Amish life choice is to remain separated from the corruptions of modern society. They value hard work, even for simple everyday tasks. This allows them to remain focused on what is important to them and cherish time spent with one another.

While I’m by no means advocating we aspire to live as the Amish, there is much wisdom in separating ourselves from this world’s sordid affairs. Get busy serving God and loving those around you. Make the most of the opportunities His grace has afforded in your life. Resist the temptation to make your voice heard every time a thought pops into your head. Simply put, mind your own business. Then the peace of Christ will rule in your heart and His love will take root in your life. Let us keep our eyes firmly focused on the perfecter of our faith that we might no longer depend on mere opinions to feed our spiritual ego. Rather set your mind on the tasks at hand and give the Holy Spirit room to work His will in this decaying world.