“Live a quiet life; mind your own business; earn your own living . .” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 TEV
“Success is a process of giving sufficient time and concerted effort.”
My thoughts today are about “living simply.”
Life is not as complicated as some make it out to be. Too many are always angling for an easier path, a shorter road, or mysterious good fortune. If anyone spent as much time and effort working hard as they do trying to get by without hard work, they would find satisfaction, achievement and reward. There are no short cuts to success; it’s a process of sufficient time and concerted effort.
A good life can be simple. The Bible says, “Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living . .” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Today’s English Version. The one who claims the name of Christ should live in such a way as to bring credit and honor to Him in their everyday life.
“Live a quiet life” suggests to me that your goal is tranquility not turmoil, that is in contradiction to the pace and noise of most lives. There is so much about God that you will know only in the quiet times. The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:1 NKJV. Withdraw on occasion into His company and know Him well.
“Mind your own business” recommends that you avoid messing where it is not your business to mess. The reality is that every one of us are busy enough without inserting ourselves into others’ busy lives, without their invitation. The Bible describes some who “are . . wasting time meddling in other people’s business.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT. An older translation calls those folk, “busybodies.”
“Earn your own living” directs you to be responsible to provide your own needs. As a teen, I heard my Dad say, “Nobody owes you a living.” Dependency on others is debilitating to the human spirit. Paul was pretty blunt about this: “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 TEV. A hungry man is willing to work for what he needs.
Neither your wants nor your needs are anyone else’s responsibility – not your parents, not your spouse, not your friends, and definitely not the government. God is the One who promises to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:16 NKJV. How does God do that? He blesses the work of your hands!
Living in such a Godly way is clearly your goal; now, see what God promises the result will be. “Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living . . in this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 TEV.
Winning the respect of those who are not believers results from exemplary, believable lives that starkly contrast the norm. You can best accomplish that by how you live, more than what you say. God wants your life to make a difference in others’ lives. I have heard it said, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” Your everyday life might be the most influential sermon someone near you ever hears. To make a difference you have to live differently!
My prayer for you today is that your life stays simple; love God and live well.