The Quiet Life
Posted by Melissa
The Quiet Life
Read This Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you. —1 Thessalonians 4:10b-11
RECENTLY, my friend was dating a guy who was afraid of commitment. So I took matters into my own hands. I told him that if he wasn’t serious about her, he needed to leave her alone. So he broke up with her.
My friend’s heart was crushed. She couldn’t understand why the relationship had unexpectedly ended. Finally, I realized I was wrong. I went to both of them and explained. My interference nearly destroyed our friendship. I thought I was helping my friend; but looking back, I realize I was just butting into her business. Today, they are happily married.
We all have moments in our lives when we make this kind of mistake, and it is often with good intentions. But it can be destructive to the relationships in our lives. That’s why Paul warned the Thessalonians to mind their own business, live quietly, and work diligently. He wanted non-Christians to notice a difference between their lives and those of Christians. He wanted love to be obvious.
Have you ever thought about that? Even when you think no one is watching, I guarantee, someone is keeping a close eye on you. You live in a society that wants to know if what you say you believe is real and authentic. If you profess to be a Christian but are always causing heartache by getting involved in other people’s business, the world will take notice. The younger tribes and villages are always looking up to the older ones at camp. Strive to live a quiet life that points to Him in every way, your relationships included.
Real Choices
Do you always mind your business, or do you find yourself intruding in other people’s lives? Explain. What changes might you need to make in the way you treat others?
Digging Deeper
Read Matthew 7:3-5. Are you pointing fingers at others just to keep people from noticing your mistakes?
Pray
Ask God to help you to be a better example of His love to the world around you.
Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged 1 Thessalonians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion
Hello!
I just wanted to say that reading this devotion has been a God-thing for me today. I’ve found that I haven’t exactly been minding my own business, and it’s good to be reminded to only do things that will not only make people’s lives better, but point them to Jesus. This was awesome 🙂
yeah, interfering with other peoples business can lead to trouble if youre not careful. and i like how it says someone is always watching you. because most people think Christians are such hypocrites. so i always have to remember that i set the example for little kids. thanks for that!!!!!!!!:D