In our world we often celebrate people who are loud and outspoken; being both big and bold as they make a visible difference in society. They inspire us, and encourage us to get out of our comfort zones. Yet, in doing so we can also make the mistake of ignoring the quiet every day people, who are also making a difference in their immediate communities. We don’t always notice, or even see them.
Perhaps we have learnt to only value and imitate the loud, extreme, heroic, type of person, so that we far too often miss the quiet heroes. We have become too focused on watching the “bold and the beautiful” do their work up front and center.
However the bible talks a lot about quietness. We are encouraged to aspire to lead a quiet life. That quiet is to be our ambition.
“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)
So, here are a few benefits to living a quiet life that will actually help us to make a difference:
1. A quiet life focuses us on the people in front of us.
When we’re living loud, extreme lives, our attention is spread across the masses. But God has placed us in our smaller communities for a reason.
A quiet life sees the need to love the people around us, not just the crowds. We learn how to be faithful in the small, and in the personal interaction we have with others.
Instead of only doing, or being involved in the “big” things why not also seek to enhance your own local community.
2.A quiet life prevents burnout.
When life is moving fast, we expend our energy faster. We then become exhausted from all our doing. The world’s push to DO,DO,DO, is dangerous, and makes burnout far too common.
The quieter approach to life acknowledges limits. We move slower, and only take on what we can. Because of this, we never truly stop working in people’s lives. We give only what we can, and we can continue doing it without the burden of burnout working on us.
Look at the minimum you can consistently do, and then build your capacity from there; rather than taking on too much and burning out.
3. A quiet life gives you time to learn.
By being patient and quiet, we give ourselves time to learn without the pressure and attention of making big “out there” statements. We learn before setting out. This does not mean we are immune from the possibility of failure, it just ensures that we have all the right tools before embarking on the journey.
A quiet life helps us move in God’s rhythm. It’s a lot like the ocean or nature’s seasons – it ebbs and flows. God rhythm doesn’t move in our rushed pace that tries to control everything. It involves listening, quietness and trust in God’s leading.
Quietness and stillness does not mean God is absent. Often truly, quiet spaces are the places we find God most, and where He reveals His work in us.
We just have to learn to be quiet enough to let Him work on our lives, in whatever way He pleases.
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godless and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior”. (1 Timothy 2:2)
Prayer: Lord please help me to see the value in quietness, and how to live life in your rhythm, free from the frenetic pace of the world. Please help me to find strength and meaning in the quiet spaces with you. In Jesus Name Amen.