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“aspire to lead a quiet life” (1 Thess. 4:11, NKJV)
In Paul’s epistles we get glimpses of the situations in the various churches to which he writes. We can read between the lines to get an idea of controversies, conflicts, and circumstances at play.
In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul speaks about how the people are to conduct their lives under the heading of loving one another. As an application of their being taught by God the lesson of love, he writes: “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thess. 4:11–12).
We get insight into what the apostle is addressing from his second letter. “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread” (2 Thess. 3:10–12).
Evidently, there were those in the church who were sitting by the door with their bags packed waiting for the imminent return of Christ. They had to eat, so they would end up sponging off their neighbor and creating a general nuisance of themselves.
The broader issue Paul will address has to do with confusion over the return of Jesus and what that meant for those alive and for those who had died. But first he wants to get the believers away from window and back to work.
He focuses them on their responsibility to provide for their needs. It’s almost like he is telling them to calm down, deal with the demands facing them, and concentrate of what is necessary to take care of business. He puts it in terms of what they should aspire to. Twice he uses the term idios directing them to their own lives, own responsibilities, and own efforts.
This is a good reminder for us not to worry about tomorrow but to focus on the day at hand in our responsibilities. For example, our Lord teaches us to pray for our daily bread, but Paul reminds us that if we don’t work, we don’t eat. We need to pray and step out in faith, and when we pull up to the dinner table we thank God for the opportunity, means, abilities, and provision that have all come from Him.
This “pray and do” principle is woven into Scripture, not just for our sustenance but for every aspect of our unfolding journey in this world. We pray for a car and we do our shopping, asking God for wisdom and provision.
Paul goes on to explain that the reason we are to conduct our affairs responsibly and with diligence is so that we walk in a manner becoming our profession before the eyes of others. Living decently and in order is not just the modus operandi for Presbyterian meetings; it is the marching orders for life in the kingdom of our Lord.
In addition to “walking properly” before others, our responsible living contributes to meeting our needs so that we “lack nothing.” We trust that our God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
What is the relationship between praying and doing?
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
