Quiet Living

“Seek to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

“Lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:2-4

The Lord has convicted me deeply about what it means to live a quiet life. His word says that a quiet life honors Him, so how do we do that? Living a quiet life doesn’t always mean that our mouths have to be quiet. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. A quiet life is a life of humility. It’s a heart posture. It means we stay out of conflict and we don’t stir up unnecessary trouble. It means we work diligently for the Lord and do it humbly, without seeking praise or extra attention. The scripture plainly tells us to mind our own business. Those who are living a quiet life aren’t gossipers. They aren’t easily angered. They aren’t nosy. They aren’t looking to get the last word in. They aren’t dying to be noticed. They work with their own hands, and they do it quietly. They know the Lord acknowledges them and that He is pleased, and that is more than enough for them. I’ve noticed that the flesh tempts me to live a loud, attention-grabbing life. My flesh longs to be noticed. My flesh loves being right. My flesh tempts me to dip my toe in pools that have nothing to do with me. My flesh is hungry and is never satisfied. Yet, the Spirit says live a quiet life. Why? Because when I live a loud life, the world sees me. When I live a quiet life, the world sees Him. We’re called to live a quiet life, Godly and dignified in every way, because it pleases our Savior who longs to see everyone come to salvation. A quiet life is a strong testimony to nonbelievers among us. When we set ourselves apart in this way, it points to Christ in us. We don’t have to perform, quarrel, or strive because He is enough. We live quietly because we’ve been fulfilled, and they can be, too. The quiet life is a form of evangelism in itself. Not only that, but it brings great peace to us as well. Peace that surpasses all understanding comes when we live quietly with Him. Knowing all this, why would we not do it? We were created for the quiet life, and fullness of joy and peace come when we walk in it gladly. Let it be known, though, that a quiet life is not a timid life. Jesus lived a quiet life. His heart is gentle and lowly, yet He is still the mighty Lion of Judah who is roaring with power. Meekness does not equal weakness. Jesus’ life is the perfect example of one that is quiet but bold. We can model this in our lives. We live in bold obedience, backing down for nothing and no one, but we do it all for Him, not for earthly praise. This type of living honors God and points to the Savior. I encourage you all to seek the Father and let Him make your life quiet for Him.