Quiet and Balanced
The Bible encourages Pursuing a Quiet Life and working toward Balanced Goal Setting and thus helps guide us in our focus and ambition.
“Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters… 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 upon anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12)
The Aramaic Bible in Plain English translation deepens our application of this advice as we consider our own forward growth.
“And that you would be diligent, peaceable and occupied with your business, working with your hands just as we commanded you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:12)
This version gives three descriptors to consider as we pursue a quiet life. The Aramaic version of this verse also helps dial in a bit on the inner attitude that drives Paul’s directive.
Constant Effort
First, a few definitions:
- Diligent — constant in effort
- Peaceable — inclined to avoid strife; not argumentative or hostile
- Occupied — filled up; engaged mind, attention and energy
If we combine these definitions, we come up with a comprehensive view of the attitude we’re seeking when we think of a “quiet life” in the sense that Paul is encouraging it.
Make a constant effort to avoid arguing and hostility and to engage your mind, attention, and energy in the work you’ve been given to do.
What does this constant effort look like in a practical way? In other words, how can we live quiet lives by being diligent, peaceable, and occupied?
- Do your part to get along with others. You can only control and change yourself. (Romans 12:18)
- Focus on the work God gives you. When you do, you’ll have a lot less time to criticize others. You’ll also be much more productive this way. (Romans 12)
- Let grace carry you through your mistakes. When you make mistakes, learn from them, forgive yourself, and move forward in the grace of God. (1 Peter 1:13)
- Verbalize thankfulness in your victories. Realize that God does work good for those who love him, so give him the credit for working good in your life. (Romans 8:28)
- Pursue a quiet life in increasing measure. Refuse to let the chaos of the world infiltrate your attitude. Instead, secure your spirit in the peace that passes all understanding but that can also draw others to Christ. (Philippians 4:7)
When our energies focus in these ways, we’ll find our lives increasingly productive and effective. In addition, we’ll discover that the work we’ve been given — loving others and living to please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-11) — happens through the living of quiet lives in our own unique ways.
Deb Wolf
Amen, Kari! Constant effort is the challenge. Days when we're tired and cranky and don't really feel like it. Thank you for including #3 in your list for those days! Blessings!!
My recent post You are Free to Sin Boldly
Kari Scare
It definitely is, Deb. We have to commit to being consistent regardless of feelings. Grace is for sure the key! Thanks!
cycleguy
You say "let Grace carry you through your mistakes." I would add "let grace carry you through others' mistakes" also. we sometimes show very little grace to others.
My recent post Judgmental
Kari Scare
Great addition! We can simply be too hard on ourselves and on others, and we need to stop.
Mark Allman
I think this pursuit leads us to realize more that the choices we make must not be a reflection of what someone else did to us. Our choices must be our own and made not based on how someone else has acted or treated us but based on what our deep held beliefs are. While I do not think avoiding strife should be a top goal I do think we should not be one who creates it. Sometimes we have to step into strife and make our convictions known regardless if peace ensues or not. I think being at peace with ourselves at times means we speak up or speak out against wrongs or injustice and those may not avoid strife. I think you can be a peaceful person in the midst of strife.
Kari Scare
I completely agree! Well said, Mark. Having internal peace allows us to address the external chaos around us in a way that honors God. Choices show our focus, and our focus determines our reality. A lesson I'm trying to get into my two teenage boys. Thanks!
TC Avey
Great post,
"focus on the work God gives you" really stood out for me. I'm working on my focus this year…focusing more on God and less on circumstances so that part really stood out for me.
Thanks for giving me something to mediate on and pray over.
God bless.
My recent post 2016: The Guilt of being Imperfect and the Promise to overcome
Kari Scare
There's so much in that one little statement, isn't there? Not only does it speak to focusing on MY work, but it implies on not focusing on others work. It also speaks to letting go of that which we are not meant to be doing. I'm blessed that this is churning something in you. Praise God!