1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12
And to 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, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
TO PONDER
What's your definition of a quiet life? Lying on a hammock in a tropical paradise with an ice-cold drink of your choice, listening to the ocean’s waves lapping the sand, with not a worry in the world. That sounds pretty good to me!
Our verse for today tells us to strive to lead a quiet life but the meaning of this couldn't be further from the description above. Whilst a quiet life has the thought of peace, calm, rest, and satisfaction, it certainly doesn’t mean to be idle and to waste time. The quiet life we are instructed to ambitiously strive for allows us to really take the time and give our full attention to listen to God. It is our Christian duty to put the interests of others first, but we are to mind our own business and not meddle as 'busy-bodies' in the lives of others.
We should recognise the dignity and honour of the work God has given us to do. This is God's plan for us. God gave us His son in the form of a carpenter, Jesus' first disciples were fisherman and arguably the greatest human missionary Paul, was a tent maker. All workers! By diligently carrying out God's work, the non-Christians (outsiders) we engage with on our journey may be influenced to also become followers. If God is the centre piece of our life, we have all we need and we will not be dependent upon anything in this world.
What steps can you put in place today to assist you to live a quiet life?
PRAYER:Heavenly Father, thank you for the advice for living a 'life of work' that you have provided for me through the scriptures. Thank you that we have been able to focus together on my ‘living a life of work’ this week in my devotion time with You. Help me to continue to willingly live a quiet life in Your name. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping