As I sat quietly watching my children throw stones into the river, I began reflecting upon my own life. As I watched the rings that were spreading out from the rocks as they sunk to the bottom of the river, I wondered… what effect am I having on the lives of those around me? Are the rings of my life spreading the love of Christ?

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 tells us, “To aspire to live quietly, 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.” Let’s look at these a little closer.

When I think of living a quiet life, I first picture a home that is peaceful. It is a place of order, not chaos. It is a place of refuge and comfort. I also think of relationships that are healthy and kind. The home is quiet and the neighbors observe peaceful living with family members and others within the neighborhood, having a positive influence on family, friends, and even strangers.

Minding our own affairs is something that may sound easy, but when it comes right down to it, simply isn’t. How easy it is to spout-off our opinions about someone or a certain situation. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards others, we should be compassionate, encouraging, and loving. Before ever confronting an individual we should first pray for that person and their situation, quietly lifting them up before the Lord. We can release the situation to God, trusting in Him, and He will be the One to correct and restore, if needed.

Working with our hands embraces life itself and God’s daily plans for us. Being a mom or grandparent, going to the office or school, being that caretaker… just being about the Father’s business every day. We are to keep our focus on Christ, diligently seeking Him in all we do. Working with our hands also permeates thoughts of wholesome hard work which is admirable and worthy of respect. After all, Jesus… the Son of God, our Lord and Savior and the King of Kings was himself a Carpenter.

If we can live by these three principles, we will walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. The Lord will provide all your needs when you are living closely with Him and trusting Him in His provision. By living a quiet life, minding our own affairs, and working with our hands, others will experience the love of Christ, as our lives touch those around us.

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