ASPIRE TO LIVE QUIETLY!



Text: I Thessalonians 4:10b-12…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. — God wants us to live a quiet life...did you hear what I said? GOD WANTS us to live a quiet life! It is very precious to Him. He says in I Pet. 3:4 that a meek and quiet spirit is not just precious...but VERY precious.  — Now, I think everyone likes a quiet and peaceful life…it seems to be a universal longing of all humanity deep down in our souls…but did you know that it is not simply a preferable lifestyle of ours, but a God ordained will for us? It is. It most certainly is. But, WE must aspire to make it so, and diligently study or work to make it so. But, how?
Not by simply changing externals, although it might sometimes help a bit (eg. moving to another state, getting another job, making more money, buying things, getting married, having children, changing your wardrobe, taking up a new hobby, retiring to Florida, purchasing a cabin by a lake, etc.). Contentment is a state of mind, not a state you live in. We can learn to be content in whatever state of the union we are in, or whatever state of finances, or whatever state of anything, except sin of course, in which case our conscience should not be giving us a moment’s peace until we are forgiven of God. 

Here is how we should do it.

1. Pray for it…I Timothy 2:1-2…First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. — True, externals circumstances and situations can affect our internals, but notice how he says pray for everybody and especially governing officials, that you be able to live a quiet and tranquil life. This obviously avails much.

2. Quietness comes through aspiring to lead a quiet life. Remember our text verse? We cannot sit idly by, complaining about the trials, tribulations and tumults going on in our lives and not be lifting even a little finger to do something about changing that. God wills we live a quiet life. We all want to live a quiet life. We even feel so good when it just happens by chance to come our way once and awhile…but we have got to start studying to be quiet. Working at it. Pursing peace. Making peace.

3. It is something God wills that we manifest everyday. Hear what the Spirit says…Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (II Thess. 3:12). So it is an everyday-when-we-go-to-work kind of thing God is thinking of. Not just once in a while...or when on vacation in the Caymans, or when we retire and take it easy, because I have enough saved up to do so…but quiet living is a way of life…every single day. Practiced.

4. Quietness within will be helped through meditation...no I don’t mean practicing zen buddhism, or vain repetition of a mantra...or any other such godless thing...but this...Read Psalm 4:4, 8…Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah….In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. — Reflecting deeply on God on your bed? Good way to produce peace and quietness tomorrow morning.

5. Learn From Jesus - Philippians 4:11-13…Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. — We can learn how to be content, quiet and calm in spirit. And the secret is to come to Jesus and learn from him. How much of our non-quietness is brought on our selves…and how much do we fail to overcome it because we are not leaning on Jesus and learning from Jesus? Matthew 11:28-29…Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

“It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:26). Let us all aspire to wait quietly as God leads us through life and saves us at last. Amen.

Whit Sasser» 

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