1 Thessalonians 4:10b–12 (ESV) —
10b But we urge you, brothers, to do this [Love] more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
NOTE: I think was gets forgotten in this verse is that we are still on mission, we are still taking the gospel to the ends of the world. We may not be missionaries in a foreign country, but we are missionaries wherever we are. Consequently, our witness is extremely important for the sake of the gospel. We are to evangelize but we have to have a witness that matches. Therefore, "to live quietly" means that we are not offensive in our passions. I think many American Christians are offensively political. It is good to vote and care for the country, but it can be offensive to our witness. We need to realize that acceptance of a political party has nothing to do with the gospel or believing. The enemy has used this to separate us from the mission field.
Mind your own affairs suggests that we can be too inquisitive into another's life. Let them share their story when they are ready. You need a relationship first before you can go deep with another.
Work with your hands suggests that we are not freeloaders. We don't use people, even taxpayers, to pay for our life. We need to earn our living, just as we need to earn a hearing.
The point of all that Paul is sharing is that we have a Christian walk that is genuinely beautiful and draws people to our savior.
PONDER:
- Are there things that I am obnoxious about?
- Does my life draw people or turn them off?
PRAYER: Father, give me grace to have a lifestyle that is a pleasing aroma and draws people to the savior.
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