But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 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. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)

Be Quiet

Life’s aspirations can be as varied as the individual who makes them. Some men want to be remembered as society’s powerbrokers in politics, finance, sports, or education. Olympians train their whole lives to pursue medals and accolades of world fame. Riches draw many people to get as much wealth as possible in a lifetime. For many, life’s aspirations involve every physical pleasure to the enjoyment of the flesh. The irony is that those who seek fame and fortune to be remembered soon lose their fame and fortune and are forgotten within a generation.

From the beginning of man’s history, God has had a simple plan for His people. Aspire to lead quiet lives, let the world see their example of faith, and be diligent in the industry of produce. Moses is one of the most visible pictures of history, yet the Lord said he was the humblest man among men. Abraham is remembered as a friend of God. David was a man after God’s own heart. Many names have been passed down through the ages who grace the pages of God’s holy book, sharing one characteristic: they were humble servants of God living their lives as quiet people of the Most High God.

The Bible is filled with many warnings of keeping the law and obeying the word of the Lord. There are many parts of scripture where the doctrines of God are emphasized for their eternal consequences, demanding faithfulness on the part of God’s people. One part of scripture often overlooked is telling His people to live quiet lives as good examples to the world. Paul reminds the saints in Thessalonica to love one another and to lead quiet lives. The Christian does not show the world a loud character of rebellion, chaos, or civil unrest. God expects His people to submit to government with reverence and fear. The example of the saint is one of quietness and holiness. There is a part of the Christian’s life where they work diligently with their hands to provide for those in need and to mind their own business as examples of truth and righteousness.

Living quiet lives is one of the most powerful testimonies of the grace of God. The principle of Christian graces is founded on the need to be peaceful with all men, seek peace with everyone, and show the world an attitude of honest labor. These principles are core to the development of the child of God. Jesus told His disciples to be salt and light. Salt is a quiet seasoning that finds its strength in its contact with other things. Light is a soft effect that illuminates its surroundings without the thunder of pride and arrogance. Jesus wants His disciples to lead quiet lives as examples of the grace of God.

Paul tells Timothy to remind the brethren to respect kings and all who are in authority and to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence. This is what is good and acceptable in the sight of God. The result can be found in the souls who see the quiet examples of Christians serving God in holiness and leading them to be saved. When the world tries to ridicule the life of a Christian, they will have to argue against their quiet nature. Let the spirit of quietness dwell in the hearts of God’s people as proper examples of truth. Live peaceably with all men as much as possible. Let Christ shine from those who light up their world with the grace of God.