Lead A Quiet Life
Scripture: 1
Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)
[M]ake it your
ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with
your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may
win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Devotion:
This scripture goes against the
grain of what the world teaches us these days. Today people are expected to
make themselves as big a deal as possible. If you are not the center of
attention, the life of the party, and the latest viral internet sensation your
life may be deemed a failure by the world. The world is a cruel and fickle
judge of character. One minute you are on top of the world then the next
minute you are cancelled and thrown out of popular culture.
The Holy Spirit through Paul in
these verses urges we that strive for the opposite of the glamorous life. We
are urged to lead a quiet life away from all the glamour and glitz. We are to
cultivate a peaceful soul. The Greek words behind our translation are a picture
of stillness and rest. It is not good for a man or woman to be constantly
concerned about their popularity. All children go through a phase where they
seek after popularity and fame, the trick is to grow out of that phase and
learn to live a life filled with God’s peace.
We are not, however, just supposed
to sit on our hands and do nothing. Instead, we are to be employed. Working
while minding our own business. Today, too many people think that they are free
to get involved in other people’s business. God only gives you permission to
take care of your relationship with Him and your immediate relatives and
family. Going outside of that circle of people will only lead to trouble in the
end. In the end you will be called out to be judged only on what we did with
our own lives.
Verse twelve presents a problem in
our modern world. No longer will you necessarily be held in high esteem by
living a quiet, industrious, and productive life. Times have changed,
regardless of what the culture may be clamoring for from us we should follow
the instructions given in these brief verses. Live as quiet, industrious, and
financially independent lives as you possibly can. God will provide all the
reward you need when you go to meet with him at the end of time.
Prayer:
Holy Lord, we come before you and
ask you to still our restless hearts. May we learn to work hard, but without
seeking attention for our work from people. Lead us in the way of peace and
stillness that breaks with the world’s demands of us. May we seek respect and
attention of our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. The world will be constantly
moving like a restless sea. Keep us in a harbor of peace and tranquility. Help
us to teach others how to live in peace with You, the world, and themselves.
Amen.
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