Here is an interesting verse to meditate upon as we reflect on the connection between the gospel and our work.
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 (NIV)
I find it amazing that these words were penned by Paul–apostle, evangelist, church planter, and missionary extraordinaire. I’d expect Paul to spend most of his time trying to whip his churches into an evangelistic frenzy, but that’s not what he’s doing here. In fact, you don’t see him doing that much in any of his other letters either. Of course this verse has to be read in the larger context of the letter Paul is writing, but even then, he seems to be saying that the best way for these Christians to make an impact in their community is by living normal lives to the glory of God.
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
It is interesting. It almost sounds like he wants them to be unobtrusive.
It is also interesting to consider the context. Correct if I am wrong. He just gave instructions for holiness in the prior verses. So immediately after giving ammunition to the folks who would mind other peoples business, he instructs them to mind their own.
Of course I’ll reserve judgment but I don’t know if I like where you are going with this subject. You definitely have my attention.
If I commented I would disobey the point of the text, so I will go back to work in quietness and humility.
Jay,
Oops! You commented. Doh! So did I!
🙂
I hope you keep this discussion going for awhile.
I believe the nature of Thessalonica is a key to this text. Among conquered cities, the Roman Empire designated some as “free cities” to which some tribute was sent from surrounding areas. The free cities also did not owe colonial taxes to Rome. So, the cities were awash with money and many of the citizens could afford a life of leisure. Hence, they sat around and gossiped and did all the things that Paul had to instruct them not to do.
Athens was another free city. It was easy to get an audience, as Paul found at Mars Hill, because there were always idle men ready to listen to speeches and disputations. It was also hard to get a commitment. Listeners were happy to listen, and that was that, as Paul also found at Mars Hill.
Christian history records that neither city was ever a stronghold of the church.
Great post Wade. 🙂
It is very challenging for us all.
Thanks brother.
Makes one wonder what we could accomplish if we followed this advice rather than trying to manipulate elections, stirring up fights over whether a check-out clerk says “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”, or demanding apologies from 3rd rate comics who joke about Jesus at award shows.
Amen, Odgie. What we see happening today with all these “issues” that Christians get involved in is quite contrary to Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
John 18:36 – “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”
Yet what are Christians doing today? Battling against the world. If the Christians of Jesus’ day did not fight to save their King and ours, what are we doing fighting over whether someone says “Merry Christmas” or not.