1Thessalonians 4:11-12 – “v11. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you v12. so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Our lifestyle speaks louder than our words. I heard an interesting quote which says, “your actions are speaking so loud that I cannot hear what you mouth is saying”. It is important that we learn to live in a way that will earn the respect of outsiders. We live in extremely difficult times, but do not use that as an excuse to live an ungodly lifestyle,
As children of God, our lifestyles ought to attract respect and admiration to merit emulation. Christians must have a different lifestyle. Being a Christian is a lifestyle, not just about going to church on Sunday; however, a genuine Christian will go to church. We cannot just be going to church & think it is alright, no there must be a Christian lifestyle that goes with it.
Do not try to change THE WORD to fit your lifestyle but adjust your lifestyle to fit THE WORD. Similarly, do not try to take The Word of God & bring THE WORD down to your thinking, no take your lifestyle & take it up to The Word of God. If your lifestyle does not match The Word of God then you have to go to God expecting Him to change you.
The Word of God is the Foundation of change so allow THE WORD to Bring Change into your life that last forever – WHEN YOU FIND THE WORD YOU FIND LIFE, (Prov 4; 20-22) The JUST (those born again) shall live by Faith – Once you are born again the prescription for your ‘new’ lifestyle is ‘FAITH’ (Hab 2: 4).
Let Christ come & Live in you but then you have to live it out. If you don’t like your life, then check your choices – are your choices in line with The Word? treat other people right. Be patient. To get a new lifestyle you have to change your thoughts & what you say, because you get what you say (Mark 11: 23).
We are to respect others not just because they are made in the Image of God (point 1). but because God Commands us to (point 2). We need to put honouring others above having our own way. The apostle Paul had similar things to say about respect: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10.
Both Peter and Paul teach that we should respect every person. Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Thessalonica to live a quiet life, mind their own business and work with their hands. He further indicated that this would help them to be self-reliant and attract respect from all men. Paul’s admonishment is relevant to us also. The Greek word Peter and Paul use for respect = MEANS TO GIVE VALUE, MAKE HEAVY OR WEIGHTY.
John 13 shows us Jesus as an example of how you respect others by SERVING THEM. By doing this Jesus earned the respect of His Disciples. He showed them respect by submitting to them, even though they were not necessarily worthy of respect.
The Bible encourages us to honour others above ourselves and to love one another. Treating others with respect and dignity is an excellent way to show them love. it’s important to remember that respect is earned. but TO GOD HONOR IS GIVEN, it’s a big difference. The person who lives by Faith will not change his/her lifestyle even when circumstances change
“Respect is earned”, the Bible says that one must be worthy of respect because of their character, life choices, actions, and/or behaviour. One earns respect from others because of how one lives. While it’s important to point out when someone is treating you disrespectfully, it does not follow that respect can be gained upon command. RESPECT IS SOMETHING YOU EARN.
The best mouthpiece for soul-winning is our lifestyle. Hardly will unbelievers pick up the Bible to read. However, we are walking epistles through which God speaks to the unbelievers (2 Corinthians. 3:2). Therefore, our conduct and way of life may be the only basis on which an unbeliever may choose to accept or reject Jesus Christ. Preach always (by you dally lifestyle), & if necessary use words also.
We have to learn to lead a quiet life; not engaging in worthless strife and vain debates. Some of us are too noisy and always in a hurry to argue about so many things- politics, sports, celebrities, and even men of God. It makes us lose respect. This however does not suggest a silent compromise on evil. It is important that we mind our own business. This is not to discourage us from showing concern for others.
Some of us try to be in charge of what is not our business. Such people are not respected in society. We have to work with our hands. Every Christian ought to be hardworking so as to excel with integrity. Don’t be a financial burden on anyone. God will definitely release helpers into our lives but that is not a warrant for laziness. The borrower is always a servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7).
Today, I want to inspire you. Live a quiet life, mind your own business and work hard to earn a living. However, preach righteousness, show concern for others and trust God for life helpers. Let your daily life earn respect.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I work efficiently to earn a living, and take care of my family, please bless the work of my hands and prosper me in all that I do. Help me to be self-controlled in handling other people’s matters, so I don’t lose respect. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
QUESTION FOR MEDITATION
Do my words and actions earn me respect or disdain?
