Minding Our Own Business

 1 Thessalonians 4:11

"We urge you brethren...that you aspire to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands."

This verse urges us to aspire ( make it our goal, our aim, our passion in life) to live a quiet life and mind our own business.

Some think it strange that God desires us to live quietly, especially in a world that is constantly filled with activity, anxiety and chatter.

We live in a world of communication....24/7 news from around the globe is available at the touch of a fingertip.

There is no rest from continual information...most of which is unedifying and overwhelming.

We are mesmerized. Most people take little thought of the affect this steady stream of input has on the mind and heart.

There is no peace when we busy our minds with what others are saying and doing.

We cannot remain at peace long if we are constantly distracted by others opinions.

Most people are focused on the crashing waves tossing about in the world rather than abiding in Christ and remaining focused on His peace.

There's another way......

Pull away......break the connection of too much chatter and the focus on the world outside.

We all have the choice to think on whatsoever things are good and pure and lovely and of good report.

We each have a private place where we can choose to, as Isaiah 26:20 says," enter your chambers and shut the door behind you until the fury is passed."

The fruit of time spent alone with Jesus and quietly ministering to the needs of home and loved ones will result in an orderly and peaceful life.

Minding our business and working with our hands keeps us from getting too involved in the affairs of the world where we have no business and allows us to focus our time and energy where we can do the most good....our sphere of influence in home and family matters.

Paul reminds us in 2nd Thessalonians 3:12 not to be busybodies, but to work in quietness and eat our own bread. 

In other words...settle down and live an orderly life of work. This work provides for the needs of those around us. It creates good for those we are actually responsible for.

When our work is done we are to rest and enjoy the fruit of our labor.

There is no need to take on burdens not given to us by the Lord.

His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He gives us rest for our soul.

There's much swirling around us today, as in every generation, to distract and cause alarm if we allow our minds to wander.

God is sovereign over the affairs of man. He has placed those in authority to work with the problems "out there". 

We are called to stay at our post and carry out the duties in our sphere of need.

As we return to our corner of the world and meet the needs we are responsible for our peace will return and our minds will quiet. 

We can once again be a source of comfort and strength to those the Lord brings into our presence.♥️