1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 says...

Today's verses are 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, which read,

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for any one to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.  But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.

This is a section that seems to be of contradictions.  The Thessalonians are doing so good that Paul doesn't feel like he needs to write anything more to them and then he tells them to excel still more.  They are loving one another in such away that it is reaching out beyond their borders to those who need help in the region of Macedonia.  They are a new church that is being known for their love.  They are getting a name or reputation for themselves.

What does Paul say in the face of that?  "...lead a quiet life..."  "...attend to your own business..." "...work with your hands..."  It is like Paul is saying to excel in the love of others but don't let it go to your head about being known for that.  Don't let pride jump in here while doing this commandment of Christ.  Spiritually, rather, be quiet about your life and continue to focus on Christ.  Keep attending to your walk with the Lord.  Keep serving the Lord in a very practical way.

I have seen this happen and sometimes am guilty of it myself.  You get known for something and then you become somewhat of an expert or the person to go to about the issue but you are now just teaching about it rather than still doing it.  You are starting to talk more about you than about your Christ.  You put off your business with the Lord because you are instructing so many others on their business with the Lord.  You don't get your hands dirty anymore when it comes to serving people that God has called us to love.  That is for those you are instructing and not for you anymore.  Pride can creep in to very spiritual disciplines and so Paul warns the Thessalonians about this danger.

"Lord, may I quiet my life so that my focus is still Your life.  May I continue to see where I need to be more like You (my business).  May I see the opportunities that You put before me to doing something about (use my hands).  May my service of You stay pure to You and not pride to me.  Amen." 

Pastor Adam
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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