Meddling

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murder or thief or an other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” – 1 Peter 4:15

My husband and I were listening to a sermon podcast this week from one of our “home” churches: Horizon Church in Jaco, Costa Rica. The above passage from 1 Peter was part of the Scripture for the podcast. BIG lesson for me which I did not see coming.

I’ve read this admonition from Peter before, and not really thought much about the “meddler” part. I obviously should have at least noted that meddling is lumped in with murder, theft, and other criminal activity. Now if you look up the definition of “meddle” it really seems more of an offense rather than a criminal activity: “to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly” . I looked up a couple of other translations and they were all as seemingly mild. So what’s the big deal?

Well, it turns out that perhaps, just perhaps, my meddling interferes with the work of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. Now I like to think of my meddling as helping, or protecting, or sharing my wisdom (ha!). I really don’t like to think of it as interfering in God’s discipline or teaching, and even worse that it is not wanted! That I have no right! What!?!? But I’m their mother, friend, sister!

And how could my good intentions and love be on the same playing field as murder or theft or other evil-doing?

And yet, that is exactly what Peter is telling me. Stand down. Seek the Lord first to determine if I am to help.

(Harrumph. Stomp about. Look for a different explanation. Justify my actions. Surrender.)

Or to just mind my own business and stop meddling in the work of the Holy Spirit. However painful, lack of growth in myself or someone I know and love will be even more painful over time. Things are not always clear.