Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

My tendency is to try to fix everything.  I suppose that is a man’s way.  But sometimes I just need to stay out of the situation.  Sometimes it is none of my business. Sometimes it is not my circus.  Being too quick to get involved in everyone else’s circus is normally not a good idea.

There is a Polish proverb that goes like this: Not my circus, not my monkeys.  Sometimes it is best just to mind my own business.  Sometimes I just need to be the ringmaster of my own circus.

There is a verse of Scripture that comes to mind.  “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”     1 Thes 4:11 NKJ

I remember a paraphrase of this verse and how during my teaching days, I would apply it to the students in my classroom.  Study, be quiet, mind your own business, and keep your hands to yourself.  That’s a pretty good mantra for the classroom.

My life would be simpler if I followed this same advice.  And it is very similar to the proverb under consideration.  Not my circus, not my monkeys.  Mind your own business.

BUT as a Christian there is another thought to consider.  Is the proverb under consideration a Christian thing to do?  Consider the following verses.

Genesis 4:9 – Am I my brother’s keeper?

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens.

The Scriptures are clear that I have a responsibility to others.

In the Galatians text, the word burden in the original language signified that which is beyond normal. Thus when I see others succumbing to the weight of their burdens, then is not the time to take the attitude of “not my circus, not my monkeys.”  I have a responsibility to my brother.  Yes, I am my brother’s keeper.

The Christian should be careful adopting the attitude of “Whatever, Not my circus not my monkeys, Laissez-faire, etc.”  Sure it is a judgment call as to when to get involved.  I need to be careful inserting myself in other’s situations.  But if I am compassionate, when the situation calls for it, then I will want to help.

Not my circus, not my monkeys?  Paul spoke to Timothy about this when he discussed those wandering about from house to house, idle, gossips, and busybodies. (1 Tim 5:13)  I want to avoid being guilty of this by being too quick to insert myself in other’s situations.  But I think with proper judgment I can know when to get involved.

Let us aspire to lead a quiet life and to mind our own business.  It will make for a less stressful life. But let us resolve to be our brother’s keeper and when our brother needs our help, let us be there.