"MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS"

Reading: John 21:20—25

“How does that concern you?” That is what Jesus told Peter when he apparently was putting his nose where it didn’t belong. We all tend to do that, don’t we? It comes almost naturally.

Instead of getting our own lives in order and seeing to it that we are doing well what we are supposed to be doing, we notice where others come up short and might not keep our criticism silent. When we find ourselves doing that maybe we should remind ourselves of what Jesus said to Peter, “How does that concern you? Your business is to follow me.” Meaning what? That we are to make sure we are doing what Jesus wants us to do.

Too many people criticize other people while remaining blind to their own deficiencies, which though maybe different from those of others, are still deficiencies and should be dealt with. We know that, don’t we? Then why do we allow ourselves to dabble in it.

This might sound like I’m changing the subject, but for followers of Christ to treat anyone as unequal in civil and human rights and not deserving of their regard and respect is in reality not to be a true follower of Christ. For a Christian to spread intolerance and hate in word or deed for people who are not the same as they is contrary to the ways of Jesus Christ. We must all examine ourselves regularly to see how we are treating others. For as we treat them, we are treating Jesus.

“What about him?” Peter asked Jesus in regard to John. “How does that concern you?” Jesus retorted. Your business is to follow me.” And the first order of that business is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves - in the likeness of Christ. That should occupy our attention not just for today, but for the rest of our lives.