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The Lord wants us to live peaceful and quiet lives. This message is all over the Bible, including in the promise He made in Isaiah 32:18 - My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. 1 Timothy 2:2-3, also notes that God wants Christians to "live peaceful and quiet lives in all goodness and holiness".
If that is the goal, why is it that for many of us Christians, our lives are far from that reality?
One reason for this is the fact that satan is on a warpath with Christians. The Bible states that it is like a lion, seeking whom to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The devil constantly looks for ways to lead God's children into sin and do things that do not please Him. As such, we should not make it easy for our enemy to accomplish its goal. It is therefore imperative that we become serious about the instruction contained in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 - "...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands..."
God expects His people to stay out of drama. This means we have to avoid creating problems, contributing to problems, or stepping into the problems created by others. This does not mean that we cannot help others solve their problems, after all, the Bible provides examples of God-fearing people who provided solutions in their day. Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, and Jesus in Jerusalem each received insight from the Lord to solve the challenges of both individuals and nations. Just as God gave them wisdom then, He continues to give His people wisdom today.
​We also need to seek that wisdom and apply it so that we do not contribute to anyone else's problems. To achieve this, each of us must learn to mind our business instead of looking to be entertained by other people's issues. If, for some reason, we are drawn into someone's problems, our focus should be to draw God's goodness and solutions into the situation. Not the opposite. This is partly why we are to take the role of prayer intercessor seriously because that way, we can bring God's hand directly into the complex challenges people face. In so doing, God will be glorified and the person will experience His power.
Believers are also called to remain busy with the works of their hands. This means that whatever work a believer is doing, they should do it with zeal as if they are working for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). It is when our hands are busy that we can expect God to bless what they produce (Psalm 90:17). When a believer is occupied with their Kingdom Identity, their profession or business, instead of being a busybody or being lazy, there is less opportunity to become embroiled in 'mess'. This is why the saying goes, "idle hands are the devil's workshop.'
It is not a sin for believers to enjoy themselves or have fun. The Bible records countless moments of His people doing just that. However, we need to be more intentional about how we entertain ourselves and spend our time. Are we striving to live quietly or be involved in drama? Are we aiming to mind our business or be messy? Do we stay busy doing what we are charged with or do we allow ourselves to be lazy? In each of these scenarios, the latter option is contrary to the will of God for our lives. And in that case, we must prayerfully request and receive God's guidance. The more we prioritize His approach to things, the better off we will be. And as we commit to live as 1 Thessalonians 4:11 instructs, the Lord Himself will help us, teaching us how to become better. He will also reveal ways to avoid the pitfalls striving to ensnare us.
Let us each trust in God to transform us for the better.
For more on the Royal Law, please see:
