March 2023 - ‘The Loud Signal of a Quiet Life’

Being quiet is not something that comes naturally to us. A lot of it is because we don’t live in a quiet world. Our phones are always buzzing. Our jobs are always demanding. Our calendars are always jam packed. Ours brains are constantly bombarded with information. Especially living in the city, we are used to living noisy lives.

 Therefore, Paul’s plea to the Thessalonians to live a quiet life (v.11) can seem strange to our Western ears. But think on a bit more. A quiet life? Being a non-anxious presence in an increasingly restless world? In a world where people are constantly searching for the ‘next big thing’, how counter cultural and refreshing is a content life in Christ!

 What will that look like for the Thessalonians?

 Loving each other fully:

This is something that, inspired by the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are doing well. Perhaps they have acquired a reputation for honouring one another deeply in a way that only the gospel can explain.

What a wonderful thing to have said of you!

Clearly Paul had heard about it and knows what a powerful witness it is to the world.

In our ever polarising and hostile culture, the church, as it loves one another in our diversity well, has a wonderful opportunity to display the light and hope of Christ to the world.

Working each day faithfully:

Note that this is something for them to aspire to. To mind their own affairs must mean to be faithful in whatever God has called them do to. Parenting? Learning? Working? Caring? Hosting? Do it in a way that honours Christ. Truly the gospel transforms how we view every inch of our everyday existence. Perhaps, in their anticipation of Christ’s return, they were downing tools. Get them picked back up says Paul.  Waiting time is working time. And working time is witnessing time. What areas has God called you to and how can you be more mindful in these callings?

 In a world that encourages us to be loud and proud and that you only live once, here is the gospel call to be quiet and humble as we wait of the return of the King.

 ‘Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold,

Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine.’