“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need”. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
The bible talks a lot about quietness. We are encouraged to aspire to lead a quiet life. For it is to be our ambition to lead quiet, peaceful lives, free of conflict and hostility toward others.
When we study to be quiet, it actually does quiet everything down on the inside of us. Conversations, pursuits, discussions, arguments, even face book and other media comments and conversations we begin to by-pass in our daily life. Quietness let’s go of a life of noisy, frenetic agitation.
The purpose underlying Paul’s encouragement in Thessalonians 4:11-12 was to love, to live quietly, and to mind our own business, so that we would behave properly toward others. One of the keys to sharing about Jesus is when we demonstrate peace to a confused, and agitated world, through diligent work attitudes and habits, and living in a loving and tranquil manner. When we respect others’ privacy, and don’t intrude or gossip, it is a powerful testimony, and makes the gospel credible.
Study to be quiet – “make it your ambition to be quiet, and to do your own business.” It’s in direct contrast to the world’s ambition, which is, “to make a great stir,” and “to be busybodies” (2Th 3:11, 12).
Today consider how much more peace and tranquility you and your household would experience if you chose to study and make it your ambition to be quiet. God wants us to be able to live peaceably in our own families, and also to give no disturbance to others by our tale bearing, whispering, and backbiting. He encourages us to behave with quietness in the neighbourhood, town, or city, we dwell in, and to seek peace as we lead a quiet and peaceable life.
Make a decision to no longer be involved in creating and encouraging factions, divisions, animosities, and contentions – even if you are right in your opinions and beliefs! The best way to get your point across is often demonstated with fewer words, and more action! A quiet and gentle spirit and life pleases God, and others will notice your freedom from the agitation and stress they themselves struggle with.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)
Study and practice quietness and discover how stress, fear and worry diminishes from your life. Quietness is powerful, for “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)