Live quietly
“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.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
When you think about the internal conflicts in life, those that cause our emotions to run rampant, most deal with how others view us.
We want respect, admiration, and worship from others. When we feel like one of these qualities is not being met, anxiety, frustration, anger, and resentment take over. Pressure mounts.
We desire to be seen by others.
But, the truth is, we are seen. God sees you right where you are.
“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” Psalms 47:8 NIV
When writing to his friends, Paul urges them to live a life that aims to please God.
“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 NIV
Rather than desiring to be seen by others, let your ambition be a life that is pleasing to God.
Paul later follows this up with an insight on how one can live a life pleasing to God.
“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.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
Live a quiet life.
Is there any instruction that flies in the face of our culture than to “live a quiet lie?”
Culture demands that we shout our name to others. Make our name great in the sight of others. Demand the spotlight. Magnifying our name in the face of others drives just the opposite of the one thing we desire most, peace.
For one that strives to be known by others, peace will never be found. For one that strives to be known by others, joy and fulfillment are a mirage. To be known by others is an empty journey.
Take the pressure off. Flip the script.
Rather than focusing on others, focus on God. Live a life that is pleasing to God. Let your ambition be to live a quiet life, pleasing to God.
Joy, peace, security, and fulfillment will be found. He is the only way.
And, grace is at the tip of his tongue.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Start today.
Impact others. Live generously.