Opening Story – The Boat and the Drill
A group of men were sailing out to sea. After a few hours one man calmly pulled out a drill and started boring a hole right under his seat.
The others shouted, “Stop! What are you doing?”
“Mind your own business,” he said. “This is my spot.”
They cried, “Are you crazy? You’ll sink the boat and drown us all!”
That little story carries a big truth. There’s an old Yiddish saying: kick a zeck in shissel—“look in your own place.” Keep your eyes on what is yours to mind.
Now open your Bible to 1 Thessalonians 4:7–11.
> “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness… Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.” (NIV/AMP)
Let’s talk about this.
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1. The Heart Problem: Control and Curiosity
We live in a world that has to know.
What’s next in the economy?
Who’s dating whom?
When will God act?
How will He act?
Deep down that isn’t just curiosity; it’s a control issue.
We want backup insurance in case God doesn’t do what we want, when we want it.
But trust only exists where questions remain.
If you already know every what, when, how, and why, you don’t need trust—you just need a calendar.
Hebrews 4 says, “Those who believe enter His rest.”
Jesus invites, “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.”
Not a nap—rest for your soul.
Maybe today you’re tired of trying to control every moving part of life.
Let the Spirit whisper: “Stop gripping. Trust Me.”
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2. The Practical Problem: Gossip and Familiarity
Now Paul gets very practical: mind your own business.
Let’s be honest—we like to know other people’s business and to tell it.
We love “Did you hear…?” more than we love good news.
> Bad news travels faster than good news because our flesh is wired to feast on it.
And it does damage.
Relationships: Sometimes we learn so much about someone we stop liking them.
Church life: We put spiritual leaders on pedestals and then lose respect when we see their humanity.
Community: We repeat stories that grow in the telling.
I’ve watched harmless comments morph as they move pew to pew until they barely resemble the original.
Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
If I think I “know” but I’m not walking in love, I don’t really know.
Love believes the best (1 Corinthians 13:7).
That means refusing the devil’s bait: “I probably shouldn’t tell you this…”
Stop right there. Better not to know.
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3. Three Imperatives for Everyday Holiness
Paul gives three short, muscular commands.
a. Live quietly and peacefully.
This isn’t about silence; it’s about soul quiet.
A life not driven by drama, constant outrage, or the need to comment on everything.
Say it with me:
> “I need to live quietly and peacefully.”
b. Mind your own affairs.
If you don’t carry responsibility in an area, you don’t need an opinion in that area.
That single line will save marriages, friendships, and church boards.
Say it again:
> “I need to mind my own business.”
c. Work with your hands.
Stay productively busy.
People with nothing constructive to do are often the ones stirring the pot.
Idleness is the devil’s microphone.
Even good, simple work—gardening, volunteering, building—keeps the heart healthy and the mouth holy.
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4. Freedom From Unrealistic Expectations
A lot of relational pain is homemade.
“The pastor didn’t shake my hand.”
“She walked right by me and didn’t speak.”
Often the other person never even saw you.
But unmet expectations breed offense.
Friend, you cannot keep everyone happy.
Only God is limitless; you and I have thresholds.
Push beyond them and you’ll make yourself—and others—miserable.
Stop letting others manage your peace.
It’s okay, sometimes, to answer gently: “That’s not something I can discuss,” or even “That’s none of your business.”
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5. Trusting God With People and Outcomes
At the root of curiosity and gossip is distrust of God.
We think we need inside information to stay safe.
But Jesus calls us back to square one: Trust Me.
Trust that He opens and closes ministry doors.
Trust that He provides what you need—whether that’s a job, a car, or daily bread.
Trust that He will defend your reputation without your frantic explanations.
Every time you resist the urge to know or to tell, you are practicing faith.
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6. Living the Difference – Everyday Scenes
Parking-lot test: Waiting for that space at Walmart when someone zips in first. Believe the best—maybe they have an emergency.
Grocery-store moment: Someone gasps, “Pastor, what are you doing here?” Smile. “Buying food, like everyone else.”
These ordinary tests reveal extraordinary trust.
Take the challenge:
> One day of believing the best about every situation.
Start with one day. Then another.
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7. Invitation and Prayer
This isn’t just good manners; it’s discipleship.
Jesus is calling us to a freer life—
a life quiet enough to hear His voice,
clean enough to keep relationships whole,
and trusting enough to rest in His care.
Let’s pray:
> Lord, deliver us from restless curiosity and careless words. Teach us to trust You, to mind our own affairs, and to walk in love. Amen.
