A little girl tried to get her mother’s attention to share some information, but mom was busy talking with a friend. Repeatedly, the child tugged on her, but mom’s hand signaled “wait”. Finally, exasperated, the girl placed her hands on her small hips and, just before she stalked away, said, “you is not my prabwem!” Finally, she had the ladies’ attention, but it was too late.

I think about that little girl sometimes when I feel myself getting in a stew about this or that, when I feel pressures rising and I want somebody to do something. God has used the story of that little girl to remind me that some things are not my problem – not my job.

It is not my job to

• inform the world of the misdeeds of others,
• to pronounce condemnation on a fallen brother,
• to relegate a soul to hell based on what my eyes can see,
• to determine another’s motive and dismiss or elevate accordingly,
• to act as quality control for God’s Kingdom,
• to withhold love or service because another believer does not meet my expectations.

I have a job, though. My job is to

• love the brethren without pretense,
• offer forgiveness,
• be generous and hospitable,
• pray,
• live peaceably with others, as much as depends on me,
• hold myself accountable to God and His word,
• treat others justly and with mercy,
• live honestly,
• to speak of my Father.

I am thinking that if I do a good job on the second list, I won’t have time to be bothered with the first list.

How about you?

Romans 12:⁹ Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ¹⁰ Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ¹¹ Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; ¹² Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; ¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. ¹⁵ Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. ¹⁷ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Photo – A Perfect Dahlia, Beth Mims