Topical Bible: Being Busy

◄ Being Busy ►

Jump to: Topical • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context:
Being busy refers to the state of being actively engaged in various tasks or activities. In the biblical context, busyness can be seen both positively and negatively, depending on the focus and purpose of the activities. The Bible addresses the concept of busyness in relation to work, service, and spiritual priorities.

Biblical References:

1. Work and Diligence:
The Bible encourages diligence and hard work as virtues. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe its ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest." This passage highlights the importance of industriousness and preparation.

2. The Example of Jesus:
Jesus Himself was often busy with ministry, teaching, healing, and serving others. Mark 1:35-39 describes how Jesus rose early to pray and then went about preaching and casting out demons. His busyness was purposeful and aligned with His mission.

3. Martha and Mary:
The account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 illustrates the potential pitfalls of being overly busy. Martha was "distracted by all the preparations to be made," while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commended Mary for choosing "the better part," suggesting that spiritual attentiveness should take precedence over worldly busyness.

4. Rest and Sabbath:
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of rest. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This underscores the need for balance between work and rest.

5. Warnings Against Idleness:
While busyness can be commendable, the Bible warns against idleness. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 states, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living."

Theological Implications:

· Purposeful Busyness:
The Bible encourages believers to engage in activities that are purposeful and aligned with God's will. Ephesians 5:15-17 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."

· Spiritual Priorities:
Believers are called to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. Matthew 6:33 instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This suggests that spiritual pursuits should not be overshadowed by worldly busyness.

· Service to Others:
Busyness in service to others is encouraged, as seen in Galatians 6:9-10 : "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith."

Practical Application:

· Balance and Discernment:
Christians are encouraged to find a balance between work, rest, and spiritual growth. Discernment is needed to ensure that busyness does not become a distraction from one's relationship with God.

· Intentional Living:
Believers are called to live intentionally, focusing on activities that glorify God and serve His purposes. This involves setting priorities that reflect biblical values and making time for prayer, worship, and fellowship.

· Avoiding Overcommitment:
It is important to avoid overcommitment, which can lead to burnout and neglect of spiritual and relational responsibilities. Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say no when necessary can help maintain a balanced life.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 5:13
And with they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 10:40
But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Topicalbible.org

James 3:8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

4231. pragmateuomai -- to busy oneself
... Jn 15:2f), ie the opposite of being because refusing to make trades by ... Word Origin
from pragma Definition to busy oneself NASB Word Usage do business (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4231.htm - 7k

Library

Ears and no Ears
... What is it that keeps men from hearing? Being busy with other things is
one hindrance. There is an old story of St. Bernard riding ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/ears and no ears.htm

Sunday Next Before Easter.
... We know how often we have failed to do so, either sleeping in carelessness,
or being busy and wakeful, but not with him or for him. ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxiii sunday next before.htm

The British Collapse, 1760-1801.
... As it happened, however, to be "Children's Prayer-Day" as well, the minister, being
busy with many meetings, was not able to ask Wesley to dinner; and ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv the british collapse.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... movements. Mr. Nelson's mind, being busy with the stars, was concerned with
the moral and spiritual movement which outlasts the stars. He ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

First Then we Ought to Demonstrate that the Blessed Apostle Paul ...
... him not eat. For we have heard that certain among you walk unquietly, working
not at all, but being busy-bodies. Now them that are ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 4 first then we.htm

Now, if this be not the Case, all Hope of Help is Taken Away...
... And thus it is brought about, that either the god helps none at all, if being busy
with something he has been unable to hasten to give ear to their cries, or ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/5 now if this be.htm

The Secret of Well-Being
... all well-being. Ease-loving Orientals, especially when living in warlike times,
naturally used the phrase as a shorthand expression for all good. Busy Westerns ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the secret of well-being.htm

Consecration.
... And she seldom let them go from home to visit unaccompanied by her; but one day,
being very busy, she let them go alone to their grandmother's. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter v consecration.htm

Again, on the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 38, Etc. , About Martha ...
... and hearing His Word. The one was busy, the other was still; one was giving
out, the other was being filled. Yet Martha, all busy ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon liv again on the.htm

Noah's Flood
... Let us look at the matter in that way, instead of (like too many men now, and too
many men in all ages) being so busy in picking to pieces the shell of the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iv noahs flood.htm