I could NOT keep my mind quiet as a new Christian, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. Nothing was quiet back then when I was a CEO chasing success. When I was caught in the relentless pursuit of wealth. When I was constantly fixated on the next big achievement.
Hearing God’s call to “live a QUIET life” at that time in my faith walk made me think: “are you kidding me?”
But then God tossed me a life-line from the Apostle Paul:
“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…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11
This verse did not make sense to me initially. But it became clear as my faith matured that Paul wasn’t advocating for silence or passivity. I could see he was talking about an inner quietness—a stillness of heart that comes from trusting God and working with measured diligence in all we do.
The Quiet Life Call
Paul’s goal in Thessalonica was for the saints to walk in love and exalt Christ in their community. The quietness he taught wasn’t about withdrawing. It was about living with a calm spirit in the midst of the world’s noise. The Thessalonians took this to heart, synchronizing their lives with God’s will, working diligently, and serving others. Their quiet lives were a testimony to God’s grace.
Quietness as Trust
A quiet life isn’t just about turning down the noise of our 21st Century soundtrack. It’s about trusting God’s provision and timing, and resisting the pressures of worldly ambition. In Psalm 46:10, God says: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
This stillness is an act of faith, demonstrating our confidence in His sovereignty. The quiet life reflects our belief that God will provide for our needs. God also calls us to work with purpose. It’s not a call to idleness but to productive, God-glorifying work.
Quiet Witness
A quiet life stands out in today’s chaotic and busy world. It’s a powerful witness to the peace and contentment we find in Christ. When we live quietly, serving others and working diligently without seeking the spotlight, we show the world a different way of living—a life marked by peace, not striving.
Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). A quiet life isn’t about hiding our faith; it’s about reflecting Christ’s love in everything we do.
God’s Presence
A quiet life also invites rest in Christ. In a world that idolizes busyness, we are often restless and burdened. But Jesus offers a different way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The quiet life gives us the opportunity to find peace and restoration in God.
That’s why I ask God to help me embrace His quiet life filled with love, peace, and purpose.
What About You?
Is your life quiet and animated by purposeful work? Are you finding peace in God’s presence or chasing the world’s busyness?
