A Quiet Life
In our hustle-and-bustle world, busyness is often glorified, and silence is neglected. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians, offers a countercultural challenge—a call to embrace a quiet life:
"And make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
Did you notice how Paul uses a bit of irony? He says to make it your "ambition" to lead a "quiet" life. The two seem to contradict each other, yet they blend to create a powerful calm. How do we follow Paul's guidance?
One simple way is to “mind your own business” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). It may sound quaint in our age of constant comparisons, but instead of meddling in others' business, we should focus on the mindful work we've been called to do. As Paul says, "work with your hands'' (1 Thessalonians 4:11). We are called to approach our work with diligence and excellence, acknowledging that everything we do is unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). In this quiet dedication, we earn the respect of even those who don't yet know the Lord, showing them the transformative power of faith in God through our actions (1 Thessalonians 4:12).
This is the invitation available to you: embrace the call to live a quiet life, mind your own affairs even as you minister to others, and work diligently with your hands.
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