What kind of life do you aspire to live? What a question! Can you imagine the answers you would get if you took a survey of Americans. We are a nation that worships at the idols of fame, prosperity, and even infamy. Americans typically want thrills, adventure and noise! How many times have you heard that? If you go to professional sporting events, it is ubiquitous, “Let’s make some noise.” “Let’s party!” “Let’s boogie!” (Yes, I know that last one dates me).
While reading this past week, I came across an interesting passage in 1 Thessalonians that I am sure you find familiar. Paul wrote:
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 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 Thessalonians 4:9-12).
So, the Holy Spirit’s view of what constitutes the best life does not equate to the typical ideas of our culture. In God’s view, the best life is a life of love, quiet, discretion, industry, propriety (and as a result, blessings from Him).
A Life of Love
“concerning brotherly love”
Love is the defining quality of the child of God. John emphasizes this point throughout his epistles. “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10-11). We are to love our God, our spouse, our children, our neighbor, even our enemy. For the Christian, the love for our spiritual brethren is especially important and helpful. Such love promotes peace, edification and a common cause that brings us to the throne of God.
“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
A Quiet Life
“aspire to lead a quiet life”
This is the opposite of what I noted as typical in our culture. Where most desire to bring attention to themselves, the Holy Spirit maintains the importance of humility and selflessness. Many is the funeral that I have preached where a long life lived is celebrated only be a few. The famous get endless eulogies and tribute. The child of God often goes to his maker with little fanfare. Remember though, he will ultimately hear the words, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
A loud life brings fame, maybe even infamy. But, do you want the attention and approval of men? Or of God? “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3-4).
A Life of Discretion
“to mind your own business”
We are a nation of voyeurs. Such goes hand in hand with the desire that many have for fame. Some people want to be famous, and some people want to know every detail, even the intimate and sordid ones, of those we see on the television and movies, and hear on the radio.
It even afflicts our relationship with other “normal people.” No one causes more strife in our churches than those who are gossips and busybodies. Paul warned against such tendencies, which often go hand in hand with idleness, in giving instructions to Timothy about young widows, “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
An Industrious Life
“to work with your own hands”
We can’t overstate the danger of idleness. It is so destructive. It gives us to time to get into other people’s business, when we should be focusing on ourselves. It leads one to destitution. Paul noted this in his 2 letter to the Thessalonians, “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” (3:11-12).
Paul was so serious about this that he reminded them, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (3:10). Compare that to those today who find it more palatable to live off the government rather than the fruit of their own labor.
A Life of Propriety
“walk properly to those who are outside”
A Christian needs to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Paul understood this, and told the Sanhedrin, “I myself always strife to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16). If we lose our good influence before men we become useless to our God. We are like salt that has lost its flavor, and is good for nothing but to be tossed out (cf. Matthew 5:13).
The Christian needs to understand even his quiet life will be scrutinized by the enemies of the cross. Peter differentiates between one who suffers for Christ (and is blessed by it), and one who suffers because he is an evildoer, (and deserves exactly what he gets), (cf. 1 Peter 4:14-16). Integrity is our watchword. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
A Life Full of Blessings
“that you may lack nothing”
Obviously, such a life as this one described by Paul will keep you in good stead with men. You will not be hassled by the authorities, there will be no complaints from the neighbors, and your creditors will appreciate your timely payments. Because you are striving to life for Christ, you will also be blessed by God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
There are, however, greater blessings reserved for those who live “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (cf. Titus 2:12). Fame is fleeting, and notoriety is not all its cracked up to be. But to live your life in such a way to guarantee your acceptance into heaven above? That is a life that is well lived. To be known by God is a greater glory than that to which any celebrity, king or athlete could aspire.
