After a couple of days off due to our daughter's MRI and subsequent hospital stay, we're back in 1 Thessalonians. Today we'll cover two chapters and we find interesting verses.
Our first verse is an instruction from Paul that is hard for many, perhaps even most, Christians to do, live quietly in a hectic world. 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 tells us, "But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you."
For some, this exhortation to lead a quiet life may seem out of place in the 21st century. We're always on the go with something planned or unplanned. It is challenging, but we Christians can take steps that will benefit us personally and spiritually. Paul gives another important step in this aspiration by saying to "work with your own hands" that is, to support yourself and don't rely on others.
I doubt that Paul objected to "noise" around him but more on distractions that people allow to interfere with their focus. Today, we can cut out a big distraction by relying less on television, maybe even cut it in half. A great way to spend that time instead would be through family time, for friends, for personal reflection or reading, and of course, prayer!
Another thought on living a quiet life is to live peaceably with others, without disturbance or conflict. Minding our own business and working for ourselves are both means to that end, the end of walking properly toward those who are outside the faith. We can live peaceably by avoiding arguments and complaints, by refusing to take offense when others hurt us, by not getting caught up on the affairs of others and by humbly accepting the circumstances that God sends us for our good, rather than grumbling.
And remember that God loves us very much.
Finally, Paul gives us wonderful parting words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 by saying, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
How can we do anything less than to rejoice for the wonderful life that our Father has provided for us?
Blessings to all
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