
And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and 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 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
Aspire to lead a calm and peaceful life as you mind your own business and earn your living, just as we’ve taught you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 The Passion Translation
Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 The Message
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; … 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ASV
“The quiet life is living our day-to-day calling from God,” said J. Aaron Gruben in his blog post “Aspiring to live the quiet life.”
In the same post, Gruben quoted John Calvin on the topic of a quiet life, “This, therefore, is the best means of a tranquil life, when every one, intent upon the duties of his own calling, discharges those duties which are enjoined upon him by the Lord, and devotes himself to these things: …”
Author and editor John Blase wrote in a daily devotional, “Finding A Quiet Life,” that growing up he aspired to be a cowboy, soldier, and doctor, then said, “However, I can’t recall one time that someone suggested or I consciously considered pursuing ‘a quiet life.’”
Gruben lists five reasons to live a quiet life:
- Because God says so.
- A quiet life keeps down contention.
- A quiet life makes us good witnesses.
- A quiet life makes us self-sufficient.
- A quiet life is the backbone of society.
I particularly appreciated what he said about a quiet life being the backbone of society, “One cannot have a society full of ‘adrenaline junkies.’ There needs to be a base of ‘normal folk’ living the adventure of mundane existence … The 8-5 drudgery, the ‘curse’ of the blue collar man, is presented as a noble calling. Scripture teaches that ‘everyday’ work, and not just missionary or gospel work, is a good thing.”
1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12 has been a favorite verse of mine for years. It calms me down even when I’m not living it well, especially when I’m not living it well. I’m grateful for any reminder to stay away from the traps of busyness and trying hard and, instead, calmly live the life God’s called me to live.
And, imagine this, I live a quiet life best when I get quiet and spend time with Him.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on living a quiet life.
In This Together,
Kim
So much wisdom. I wish I’d lived a quieter life and known that it was allowed, and needed before I exhausted myself. Thank you for sharing and caring.♥️
I love you,
Connie
Oh, Connie, me too! Exhausted … yes. I talked so much and tried so hard and exhausted myself again and again. I just caught myself doing it one more time, but stopped. I want peace and quiet more than anything these days.
Thank YOU for caring! ❤️ I’m so grateful for friends like you who understand.
I also try to live a quiet life. When I was young I had to be everywhere. Learning to live a quiet life is so, so much easier and freeing. I am on fire when it comes to giving my testimony. I am so thankful when God slows me down. Getting older makes me be quiet. Some things aren’t that important to me anymore. Studying God’s word is important and sharing his word.
Thank you Kim🙏🙏✝️❤️
Awe, Lyn, thank you! ❤️
He slowed me down too and, you’re right, it’s so freeing. I love my peace and quiet these days.
I appreciate your comment and your friendship.