Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to 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
A Quiet Life
Daily Devotion – February 18, 2023
Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12
See series: Devotions
Christians, be careful how you live. Your conduct can have significant influence on people around you. If your behavior is disreputable, you serve to deflect people from giving attention to the gospel. On the other hand, putting God’s love into practice may attract people who want to learn more about the beliefs and biblical values that you live by.
God wants you to live everyday in a manner that “may win the respect of outsiders”—those who are not believers. A “quiet life” is the way he terms it. That means “to mind your own business.” Don’t be a busybody—a person who has the reputation of meddling in other people’s lives. That kind of conduct is not a good Christian example and will close doors to opportunities for sharing the gospel.
God also instructs you “to work with your hands.” He does not want you to be a loafer, who by your irresponsibility, forces others to help and support you. You can see what kind of roadblocks that kind of lifestyle would raise for the cause of the gospel. Instead, as you are able, work honestly and ambitiously. The good reputation you gain among people may lead some to want to know about the work that Christ accomplished to save them.
Prayer:
Lord God, make me faithful in my daily life so that all I say and do may glorify you and serve to bring the gospel to more people. Amen.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.