The bible talks a lot about quietness. We are encouraged to aspire to lead a quiet life and for it to be our ambition to lead peaceful lives, free from conflict and hostility toward others.
“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)
When we study to be quiet, it actually does quiet everything down on the inside of us. Conversations, pursuits, discussions, arguments, even social media comments and conversations we begin to by-pass in our daily life.
Quietness helps us let go of a life of noise and agitation and to replace it with purpose and clarity.
The purpose underlying Paul’s encouragement in Thessalonians 4:11-12 was to love others and to live quietly, in the hope that it would help us to behave appropriately toward others. One of the keys to sharing about Jesus and being a light in the world is when we demonstrate peace to a confused and agitated world through our diligent work ethics, attitudes, honesty and habits.
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 busy-bodies” (2 Th 3:11, 12).
Today consider how much more peace and tranquility you and your household would experience if you chose to make it your ambition to live quietly. God wants us to be able to live peacefully in our own families and also to give no disturbance to others by our tale bearing, whispering, and backbiting. If something is going on around us that that needs addressing, we can pray and seek God”s wisdom as to how to handle it with efficiency and the least fuss.
Make a decision today 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 demonstrated with fewer words and more action! A quiet and gentle spirit 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)
Prayer: Lord please help me to get quiet and wisely navigate those things that would try to steal my joy, peace and quiet today. In Jesus name Amen.
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