Quiet Life

megaphoneThere are times to be quiet and times to be loud. I know that a loud crowd at the home game can inspire the players to play their heart out. I also know that at a dance club, the music is loud to get people moving. I actually like a lot of loud things. I’ve never been much for loud people. If I’m standing next to you, there’s no need to be loud. I do realize that my hearing has dropped off some, but still no need to talk or just be loud when I’m next to you or in the same room.

I do like the early morning when all is quiet in the house. I can hear the hum of the refrigerator or the fan from the furnace blowing warm air throughout the house. I like it because I feel like I can really hear from the Lord. As I read His Word, I feel like He whispers into my soul.

This morning Paul speaks about a quiet life. Check this out….

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 NIV)

I do think that Paul is speaking to believers about loving others. I think it breaks His heart when we point out the faults in others in order to make ourselves look good. This sort of behavior really turns others away and turns them off. I believe that we don’t have to condemn anyone for anything because the Lord is the Lawgiver and Judge. Just because I don’t condemn others bad behavior doesn’t mean I agree with their behavior or sanction it. I’m to love them and “quietly” try to influence them. Love is a powerful tool and when I learn to love, I will have opportunity to show love and express love.

He speaks of a quiet life when it seems so cool to become famous. I know that earlier in my life I wanted to be noticed. I wanted people to love me and seek me out. I wanted to be famous and wealthy. I realize how fleeting and vain that wish was in light of eternity. I want to know the Lord and make Him famous. I want to use my wealth to honor Him and make His Kingdom great!

He also speaks of not being dependent on anyone. Years ago when my wife and I borrowed the money to build our house, I remember thinking how cool it would be to own it without a mortgage payment. I became indebted to the mortgage holder. I’m dependent on them for my house. If I go borrow money for a car or anything else, I’m becoming dependent on them. I really only want to be dependent on the Lord for anything and everything. He alone will sustain me and help me to lead a quiet life with multiple opportunities to love.
 
Pressing On!
Dwayne

2 Comments

  1. Michelle on January 3, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    Hi Dwayne. I just found your blog last night. I am enjoying reading your posts, and I just wanted to thank you for them. Looking forward to reading more. Have a wonderful day, and I want you to know that I DID pray for you this morning. Be blessed, Michelle



  2. Dwayne Hicks on January 3, 2014 at 7:46 AM

    Thanks for praying for me today Michelle. I will return the favor and ask the Lord to Cover you, bless you and keep you today!
    Gratefully,
    Dwayne



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