1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

I've been fortunate enough to really dig into my Bible more lately. For the last few months, I've not only been able to sit and read the Bible, but I have also had the time to study beyond the text. It doesn't always happen, and sometimes I get interrupted multiple times because of kids waking up. But on mornings like today, I'm so grateful for the take-aways I am able to gather.

Today, I jumped back to 1 Thessalonians after spending some time in Isaiah. Paul's letters always have valuable nuggets in them, and today was no exception.

One particular section of chapter 4 really stood out to me--verses 10-12. I appreciate how, even thousands of years later, God's word still stands true. Paul advise is just as valuable today as it was the day God inspired him to write it.

"But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

Reading this, I realized a handful of things.

First, serving God never ends. We are charged to do more and more. His calling on our life isn't over until He calls us home. How am I serving others today?

Next, living quietly is grand. It allows me the time to give the attention to God and His commands on my life. It gives me room to ignore the world and listen and hear his voice. At the same time, it keeps me from being a busy-body--I am more able to mind my own business when I am living quietly. This prevents gossip and unnecessary chatter.

Now, that's not to say that we ignore those in need--it just means that minding my own business is a good thing. Helping and serving should not happen to be in the know, but to show Who we know.

Working is important--working with out hands keeps our bodies and minds busy. It's true what they say-- "Idle hands are the devil's tools." When I am saying busy with the tasks I have set in front of me, the devil doesn't have the chance to trap my time or my mind. I'm occupied doing my work for the Lord.

And lastly, my actions represent God. Others see me and what I do, so if what I am doing is of this world, they will take that to mean that God is ok with that. I need to act like Jesus, and ask for strength to represent God correctly.

This passage was on my heart a lot today as I took care of my home and my kids. I want to be a good example to them, and show them what God expects of them. I don't want them to think that lazing around is okay, but that we should be serving God in all we do.

It isn't always easy to do, but it's worth it.

Today's time in God's Word blessed me. I hope these thoughts bless you too.