“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thess. 4:11-12 NIV1984).
Ambition can be a noble trait, but it is not good when driven by selfish desires, pride, or greed. Paul lists three things we should strive for in our Christian walk: leading a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands.
How do you cultivate a quiet life? By living a life pleasing to God. By reining in anything that keeps us fearful, anxious, or depressed. Chaos and uncertainty in our world, negative news media, and stress-related conditions in homes, schools, or even churches — all these situations can threaten our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. While we can’t control or avoid everything in life, we can strive to step back and take time to relax, ridding ourselves of those things that rob us of tranquility. Pursuing godliness cultivates the peace and quiet we long for. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17). What encouragement!
What does it mean to mind our own business? Certainly, we are not going to gossip about other people by spreading rumors or unconfirmed information. “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (Prov. 20:19). Minding one’s own business also means resisting meddling. We might advise them on what to say or do, but we are incapable of solving problems we have nothing to do with. Our “wisdom” might do more harm than good. Most people just want a listening ear. We can provide that. It is not our place to interfere, but it is our responsibility to encourage seeking God’s guidance. He is never wrong and knows how to solve any situation. He does not need our help.
What does it mean to work with our own hands? It means that people who are able and capable should work to lead productive lives rather than depend on others to provide for them. In the beginning, “the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). Work is honorable. Paul wrote that he, Silas, and Timothy “…worked day and night, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you… If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thess. 3:8, 10). Due to age or disabilities, not everyone can or should have outside employment, but their hands can still be useful. Some may sew, crochet, or prepare meals for others. Some can give financially to help those in need. Still others can use their hands to hold and love babies and children while telling them about Jesus. Then there are those who are great prayer warriors. It is simply a matter of being active and putting into practice the desire to be a blessing to others.
Why are we to make it our ambition to follow Paul’s advice? So that we “may win the respect of outsiders” (1 Thess. 4:12). He also writes to young Timothy that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone “…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:2-4). There is no better answer!
