1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 verses 10-12 (NIV)
And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 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.
I was struck by Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians that they should aspire to lead a quiet life. I think that some people may have the perception that those who lead a “quiet life” are a bit boring, but I think what Paul is saying here is that we shouldn’t do anything that draws attention to ourselves. After all, we are called to let the light of Christ shine through us, not make ourselves the main attraction. We want people to be drawn to Christ, and we are to be His Ambassadors, not anyone else’s, particularly ours.
Dear Lord,
I pray that I might not earn respect purely in my own right, but that people may be drawn to Your light and presence as I allow Your Holy Spirit His way in my life. Amen.