Are You a Busybody?

Written By Bryan Hurlbutt

This week’s reflection focuses on 1 Peter 4:15 and the concept of suffering as a result of one's own actions, particularly highlighting the often-overlooked notion of being a "meddler." The passage advises that if one is to suffer, it should be for their faith in Christ and not due to actions like murder, theft, evil deeds, or meddling in others' affairs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-assessment to determine whether one's suffering is self-imposed and encourages living a quiet, peaceful, and godly life.

Key Insights:

  • Understanding Meddling:

    • The term "meddler" in the Greek New Testament is unique and implies overseeing or interfering in matters that belong to someone else, and is equated with serious offenses like murder and theft, suggesting its significant impact on one's life and relationships.

  • Self-Imposed Suffering:

    • Meddling can lead to self-inflicted hardships, prompting the need for self-reflection on our behavior which often gets overlooked.

  • Living a Quiet Life:

    • Adopting a lifestyle that is quiet, peaceful, and godly, aligning with other biblical teachings, can help avoid unnecessary suffering and promote personal peace and resilience.

  • Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How often do I find myself getting involved in matters that do not concern me, and what are the consequences of such actions?

  2. Can I identify any areas in my life where my suffering might be self-imposed due to my own actions or decisions?

  3. What steps can I take to live a more peaceful and quiet life, and how might this change impact my overall well-being and relationships with others?

Bryan Hurlbutt

After years of preparation and seeking the Lord’s direction, Bryan moved to Utah in 2004 for the sole purpose of founding Lifeline Community. Born and raised in upstate New York, Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in religious education from Davis College in Johnson City, New York, and his master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His doctorate of ministry from Talbot School of Theology focused on how worldview, philosophy, and culture relate to the local church, which culminated in the release of his first book, Tasty Jesus: Liberating Christ from the Power of our Predilections, published by Wipf and Stock. A true scholar and pastor at heart, Bryan longs to merge the life of the mind with life in the Spirit. His primary passion in ministry is discipleship, as evidenced by the various ministries at Lifeline, with the intended result that Lifeline be the kind of church that no one ever outgrows. Bryan is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters. He is an avid runner, a devout Syracuse Orange fan, and his favorite hobby is discussing world views and theology at ANY time in ANY place.

Previous

Rest