Life at Its Best
“… that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” I Thessalonians 4: 11 – 12)
There are many motivational books on the market. Some promote a lifestyle and work ethic. None are more on target that this brief Scripture.
Aspire in Greek is “philotimeomai,” meaning to make it your ambition to strive earnestly, to strive eagerly, to be zealous, to make something your goal, your aim, the passion of your life. Like the people who received this message initially we are charged and challenged by it.
First, lead a quiet life.
Quiet in Greek is “hesuchazo,” which means to be still and/or to be silent. Such is essential for a thoughtful mind to work.
This is present tense which stresses that we must constantly strive to lead such a life. We must eagerly endeavor to live a peaceful life.
“When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship—when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us.” –Oswald Chambers
Second, mind your own business.
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.”
Don’t stick your nose in on matters that do not concern you, it only creates more problems. Make folks happy today, mind your own business.
Third, rest in the Lord. This means to have confidence the Lord is in control. Psalm 23 is a commentary on this concept. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” This dispels anxiety.
Fourth, work with your own hands. This was addressed to a working class, today called blue collar workers, but the principle is applicable to all classes.
The type work hereby encouraged means to work up a sweat. In general this means to extend yourself in your task. Thus, you have cause to be fulfilled, and not become a burden to anybody..
Fifth, walk worthy. Walk in Greek is “peripateo,” which refers to one’s lifestyle. One’s conduct should be above reproach. It means to conduct oneself properly and take full advantage of opportunities.
If you conduct yourself in this way you will “lack nothing.” For then you can be assured your “…God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)
Such a well ordered life is a witness to “those who are outside,” that is, unbelievers. They see such composure and positive work ethic are attracted to the source enabling it, Jesus, and be attracted to Him.