"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work wth your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will no be dependent on anybody."
In this verse, Paul gives us some wonderful advice as to how to live day-to-day pleasing the Lord. Nothing very difficult at all, just some very basic, common sense things to do. Right at the beginning, he says "make it your AMBITION . . . ". What a great word is ambition. It is defined as "an ernest desire for some type of achievement or distinction . . . " In our case, we are striving for holyliving, pleasing to God. Then Paul proceeds to list 3 desireable achievements that by doing, we may enjoy holy living.
Firstly, have an earnest desire to "lead a quiet life". Be about the business of life in a behind-the-scenes way, not one that is not showy or obtrusive. Hmmm, think about. How many people do you know that are loud-mouthed, center-of-attention people? Always have to be noticed. Make it a point to let people know they have arrived. They are lacking the Biblical graces of gentleness and humility. We tend to shy away from people like that. Is this a mannerism that is pleasing to the Lord? Does this type of attitude draw people to Jesus?
The second thing Paul tells us to earnestly desire is "to mind your own business." Don't be a busybody. Look that word up in your concordance! It's there. Pittsburghese for this phrase is "nebby-nose". People that always have to know everyone else's business are also the greatest gossips. Why else do they want to know everything? In their own minds, spreading the "news" makes them important. These people certainly are not leading quiet lives. They are to be avoided like the plague.
And lastly, "work with your hands." In other words, make an honest living. Take care of yourself and your family. Don't depend on society to give you handout. It doesn't matter if you're a street sweeper or a CEO, or anything inbetween. if you are working to the glory of God, you are living a life pleasing to God.
There is more to Christian living besides loving others. We must learn to be responsible in every respect of our lives. Leading a quiet life is the basis. When we do that, it will automatically flow into minding our own business and we will go to our jobs with joy in our hearts. And the end result? ". . . you will win the respect of others . . ." There is nothing better in all the world then to be respected. When you're respected, people listen to you, value your opinion, follow your advice. When your life exhibits the fruit of gentleness, meekness and humbleness, people are drawn to you and want to emulate you. What an awesome soul-winner you can become, just by following these 3 little steps.
What is your ambition?
Lord Jesus, Lord of my life, set a guard about my lips that I may not sin against you. Fill me with the fruit of the Spirit that my life will be a glory to your name. Help me, my Master, to be ambitious for you, living to please you, so that others will see you and walk in Your salvation. Amen.
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