Some people can have the most drama! Something is always happening to them: their family, their job, their dog, or their cousin’s mama’s first husband’s neighbor. Their life could be a Netflix series with a lot of viewers! Do you know anybody like this? It seems like there is never a dull moment with them. If we are not mindful, whatever they deal with will lure us into their drama and away from our own affairs. Read on to discover what I have coined, the 4 P’s of other people's business, and how to stay focused on what really matters.
Observation #1 - Perception
It is often our perception that what’s happening in other people’s lives is more intriguing than what is happening in our own lives. The Apostle Paul mentions in Galatians 6:4 that you should pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (NLT).
Reality: God’s desire for us is to be more concerned with our own lives than with the drama of others. What really matters is how God sees us, not how we perceive the drama in others.
Observation #2 - Preoccupation
If we do not set God-ordained boundaries, we will become preoccupied with the drama of others. We do not have extra time to devote to someone else’s actions, as there is plenty for all of us to do. The time spent on another person’s matters could be used for something much more productive, such as praying, reading scripture, exercising, meditating, doing chores, or resting—anything is a better option. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Apostle Paul urges us to “aim to live quietly, mind your own business...” (CEB).
Reality: Getting wrapped up in other people’s affairs distracts us from our personal lives and God’s purpose for us. The more we concentrate on others’ business, the more we stray from our own path in body, mind, and spirit.
Observation #3 - Publicizing
Some people have this burning desire to tell us about other people’s drama. Avoid listening to or publicizing other people’s drama. Here are some suggestions on preventing this: first, don’t listen- Proverbs 20:19b says…company not with him that openeth wide his lips.” Some people’s mouths are like trash cans; nothing comes out but garbage. Someone once said if a person talks to you about someone else, they will speak to someone else about you.
Reality: Staying clear from publicizing others' drama helps protect our integrity and essential relationships. Refraining from publicizing allows us to prioritize peace and reflect the grace we've received from God.
Observation #4- Polluting
There are many eavesdropping and meddling people in this world. Some may think eavesdropping (being nosey) is not as bad as meddling or gossiping. There is a distinction. Eavesdropping nosey people want to be in the know. Meddling people are in the know, ask too many questions, and stir up trouble, such as arguing. Scriptures advise against both.
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 “Don’t eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip’s about you, and you’d rather not hear it?” (MSG)
1 Peter 4:15 instructs that we should not be evildoers or busybodies in other people’s business.
Proverbs 6:17 compares meddling to grabbing a dog by the ears-dangerous and unwise (AMP).
Reality: Do not pollute yourself or others by eavesdropping or meddling in other people’s business. The harm polluting does to your spiritual journey outweighs any temporary curiosity or interest gained.
Takeaway
There will always be people, and people will always have drama. But getting involved in others' drama has never made me better. It's easy to get caught up in others' business, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Let’s seek to live quietly, mind our own affairs, and walk the path God has laid out for each of us. Remember the 4 P’s—Perception, Preoccupation, Publicizing, and Pollution—and avoid being led astray. Be intentional about your actions and thoughts, investing time and energy in activities that honor God and strengthen your walk with Him.
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