“Helpful, But Not Nosy”

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

In a sermon two Sundays back, we made note of the example of Jesus as he spoke to the woman at the well (John 4), and we made a point that in doing evangelism, we will often have to talk about real life. We will have to talk to people about all the facets of their lives where the gospel will have an impact, and that gets personal. But perhaps a warning is in order against one of the potential pitfalls in doing that.

In balancing the idea of helping people surrender the most intimate parts of their lives to Jesus, the Bible warns us not to be nosy. Our commission to talk about real life should not be seen as a license to be gossips and busybodies. The apostle Paul writes a few warnings about these things:

"But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ...Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." (1 Tim. 5:11-13)
"...we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living." (2 Thess. 3:11-12)
"I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder." (2 Cor. 12:20)

Often, this is an area of life of which we are unaware of our own behavior. Make some time to think carefully about your life, to pray that God will show you where you are weak and where you can grow better in this area. These warnings must be taken seriously. They will help us keep a proper perspective on evangelism and guiding folks thru the turmoils of real life without indulging in mindless gossip.

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