Avoid Curious Inquiry

Ironic that I would say what I’m about to say on a blog intended for readers to inquire into my life. Because what I’m about to say will sound contradictory to that very notion – that is that we should avoid curious and unhealthy inquiry into other people’s lives – that ungodly sort of inquiry that leads to covetousness, greed, jealousy and hatred.

The blogging world is obsessed with it. Hollywood is obsessed with it. Normal people are obsessed with it.

I think it must be a part of our human nature to want what everyone else has – to be what someone else is – to do what someone else does. Much of that is probably innocent. Maybe even godly. Much of it is not.

The innocent and godly sort? Paul the Apostle speaking to struggling believers – “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

The ungodly sort? Simon the sorcerer offering money to the disciples saying – “Give me this power too, so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:19).

I always like to read what godly people have to say about stuff like this. Here’s a snippet from Thomas à Kempis, one of the godliest men of the 14th century, writing as if God were speaking on this subject (I think if Thomas had a blog, this would be his first entry).

“My child, do not be curious or bother with unimportant things. What does this or that matter to you? You follow me.

For what is it to you if that person is such and such, or whether this person does or talks about this or that?

You will not need to answer for others, but you will give an account for yourself, so why do you involve yourself in their affairs?

Do not be anxious to live in the shadow of someone great, for the close friendship of many, or for the personal affection of individuals. For these things distract the heart and greatly darken it.” – Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

So, my advice? Be who God made you to be. Follow Christ and no one else. There’s enough cookie cutter Christians out there already.