A Quiet Life

 by Macy Johnson

“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,

so that your daily life

may win the respect of outsiders

and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV)

 

Every morning I open my Bible to a page in the Old or New Testament so the Holy Spirit can lead me to a verse for the day. My eyes fell to First Thessalonians 4:11 one Saturday morning as my thoughts swirled in preparation for a busy weekend.

 

God revealed Himself to me that morning in a unique, mighty, and personal way in order to calm my fears. He touched my soul and reminded me I am not living for myself, but for Him. The Holy Spirit asks me to trust Him to live in and through me so I can give my best back to Him.

 

I sat nearby while Tim tuned my piano. As I listened to the hammer strike each string, I thought of how my heavenly Father stretches the strings of my heart to put me in tune with Him. Only when I go through the tweaking process can I connect and create beautiful music with the Master Musician.

 

A distorted note can be a distracting noise. When I speak out of turn, interrupt, gossip, or use my mouth for my own benefit, I hurt the heavenly kingdom. When I think I am important or necessary, I need to remember Paul’s command to the Thessalonians and keep my mouth shut! God will speak through me when He wants. I am His instrument.

 

“The only thing that counts

is faith expressing itself through love.”

(Galatians 5:6 NIV)

 

I will seek to serve quietly and humbly with the Holy Spirit’s help. I hope you will, too!