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BE QUIET!
LORD’S DAY, NOVEMBER 23
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

1 Peter 3:3-4

 

“And that ye study

to be quiet…”

 

BE QUIET!
 
In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul gave a few simple but practical instructions on how believers ought to conduct themselves before “them that are without” (1 Thess 4:12), i.e. people who are outside of the faith. The main idea here is to be conscious of the testimony that we present to the unbelieving world, that we can show forth the love of Christ to them.
 
First, they were to “study to be quiet” (1 Thess 4:11), i.e. they would endeavour to live quiet, peaceful lives. Directly, it means lives that are without conflict or controversy. But it also means that we do not draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. We must not crave the limelight, whether out of pride or being troublemakers. No, our purpose in this life is to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. As John the Baptist wisely said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)!
 
Second, they were “to do your own business” (1 Thess 4:11), i.e. to mind our own business and not be busybodies. We are to refrain from gossiping and rumourmongering, making sure we do not meddle unnecessarily in the lives of others. It is ironic that people so often have many opinions and criticism of others, when their own lives are in a mess. Instead, we are to seek to have constructive, productive lives, focusing on the things that we are called to do. We are to be responsible over our own lives, and ensure that everything is in order, and all our duties are met. This is really the primary purpose we have – that we manage our lives well for the glory of God.
 
Putting these two thoughts together, we seek simply to be a person who is quietly and unobtrusively working hard in the background, minding his own business, and tending his own business well. He is one who has his life in order and does not feel the need to go around meddling and dabbling unnecessarily in the affairs of others that do not concern him. People will see and respect such a person, and when he finally does speak up and witness for Christ, people will listen.
 
THOUGHT: Do others see Jesus in me?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou teach me to study to be quiet, and to mind my own business.

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