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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming the Unwelcome

-
  Scripture: Luke 7:36-38 (NIV) 36  When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them. Devotion:             First of all, some warnings to my readers. This post will exceed the 500 words I try to limit my posts. Second, this post will contain content people may find offensive or otherwise unfit for print. Please understand that my purpose is neither to offend nor upset but to provoke thought and, hopefully, respectful dialog.             We will use Luke chapt...
Read more

The Hatred of the World

-
Scripture: John 15:18-20 (ESV) 18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. Devotion:             This scripture is compelling. It explains what happened to Jesus and His disciples some 2,000 years ago. The message of God is rarely welcome news for the world. It calls out many of the culture's favorite practices for what they are: sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humankind has been adamant about trying to hide or excuse their sin. Sin causes a barrier between humans and God that humanity cannot overcom...
Read more

Reflecting on Reformation Day

-
  On October 31st, millions of Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day, a commemoration of a pivotal moment in church history. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act, challenging the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ignited what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. The Courage to Stand for Truth Reformation Day calls us to reflect on the courage it takes to stand for truth. Martin Luther faced immense opposition and risked his life to speak against the corruption and abuses he saw within the church. His conviction was rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a sincere desire to return to the teachings of Christ. As we remember Luther's bravery, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it is difficult? Do we seek truth in God's word and let it guide our actions? Script...
Read more