Day Five 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 ”Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)
Discover
1. How does Paul describe a quiet life in these verses?
2. What do you think is meant by the call to “mind your own business”?
3. Look up 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10. How do each of the commands of verses 9-11 influence the non-believer of verse 12?
Respond
Paul is urging his readers to accept the freedom that comes when we learn to work from a place of rest. When we aren’t focused on what others are doing, we don’t have to be dependent on them. The quiet life Paul describes in this passage is a life of peace and regular, consistent rest. It’s the pace we see in the life of Jesus. Slowing down provides a greater opportunity to listen to what God is teaching us. When will you slow down today for the purpose of hearing from God? Be intentional about it and look to Jesus’ example.
For Further Reading: The Silence We Desperately Need Today
For Families with Kids at Home
As parents, a quiet life seems like a nice idea, but unachievable with kids around! However, we often unintentionally create “busy-ness” in our schedules and our kids' schedules that can dial up the background noise in our lives. Ask God to lead you in creating intentional space in your family calendar this week to slow down together. Are there things in your calendar that need to be adjusted or removed so that your family can quiet down and enjoy each other’s presence?
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.