Tri-Cities Baptist Church

biz-ee-bod-ee: preoccupied with activity; bustle about, meddle

To be “busy” means to be engaged in action. “Business” means purposeful activity. “Busy work” is work that appears to be productive but actually only keeps one occupied. But then we come to a busybody. A “busybody” is one who is preoccupied with activity…more specifically, we know a busybody as one who meddles in the business of others. The great church planter Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies”—2 Thessalonians 3:11. Ouch! Notice Paul made it clear that the word was out. They had built a reputation for themselves. Some of them were lazy, undirected, and undisciplined. The result was they were meddling in other people’s business which caused a lot of trouble. Believers and churches have always been challenged to remain steadfast in the faith. Distractions surround us and threaten our testimony, so how do we stay on task? Here are eight practices right out of 2 Thessalonians 3 that will help you stay the course and live an undistracted life:

1. Avoid losers. You become like the people you hang with—verse 6.
2. Watch heroes. We all need pictures of excellence—v. 7.
3. Serve others. When you serve there is no time to snoop—v. 8.
4. Forfeit rights. Demanding what is due is obnoxious—vv. 9-10.
5. Focus daily. Low discipline follows no purpose—v. 11.
6. Be quiet. Crybabies and politicians demand promote themselves—v. 12.
7. Stay fresh. Don’t allow fatigue to distract you—v. 13.
8. Challenge others. Raise the standards around you—vv. 14-15.

Meddlers, gossips, and busybodies sabotage any great work. At the office, in your home, at the school, or in the church, believers are called to rise above mediocrity and embrace the high calling of our Lord Jesus without distraction. Ultimately, our impact in the world will be determined by the practical focus of our lives.

Daryl Crouch - Associate Pastor of Tri-Cities Baptist Church