Not Quiet Like We Think

Dear Faith Family, 

I need to admit that I have a proclivity for the quiet. I don't always feel a need to talk, but I do feel a need to be alone at times. I don't get antsy when boredom sets in, but I do when there is too much commotion. Maybe that's why Paul's admonishment in I Thessalonians 4:11-12 to "aspire to live quietly," sticks out to me. At first glance, it seems to resonate with my natural disposition. But is Paul encouraging us to develop a particular personality bent? I don't think so, though I do believe many of us dismiss Paul's words because our personality is not inclined to whatever image of a "quiet life" pops into our minds. 

While it has been my experience that the majority of us long for a simpler, less chaotic life, we still want to make a difference, yearning to be a part of something bigger, recognizable, and exciting. And, a quiet life seems the opposite of such aspirations, but only if we miss the context of Paul's charge. Just a few verses before, Pauls says this, 

"Now concerning brotherly love (familial friendship), you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, faith family, to do this more and more..." (I Thess. 4:9-10)

You see, the Thessalonians were already involved in something bigger, recognizable, and exciting; their relationships.  They were already making a noticeable difference (in their entire region, i.e., "Macedonia") through the way they loved one another, in the way they sought the good for one another. And that's the point Paul is trying to make, that the yearning within us for a fuller life finds its satisfaction in the relationships in which we are enmeshed.  

God rescues people. God redeems people. God transforms people. And, he does so continuously and persistently day-in and day-out, you know, in the middle of that stuff, we call living. So, to be involved with people then is to be involved in God's fantastic activity. And, to love people is to participate in God's activity in the most impactful way possible. What could be more interesting, more influential, or more satisfying than that! 

A quiet life does not exclude us from having an impact, or keep us locked away from the interesting; instead, it keeps us from missing out on what is most impactful and most interesting. "Aspire to live quietly," is an admonition to strive against the distraction of the grandiose which pulls us out of the personal, and to strive for a life of greatest satisfaction which is found only through loving relationships. 

It's not easy living quietly. Like Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11), we are tempted to gratify our natural craving for satisfaction, tempted to seek out that which makes the most impact for the kingdom, and do that which demonstrates the extensiveness of God's power; but all that is a temptation, but not from God, for God does not tempt (James 1:13-15).  Which is why Paul uses the word "aspire." We don't live quietly by temperament but by choice, as we direct our hopes toward achieving, a life in which we experience and participate in the incredible, but in the context and way, our Father has given us. 

Aspiring to Freedom

Dear Faith Family, 

Over the years, we have attempted to make a big deal about the ordinariness of our faith. The ordinary places where faith takes root and bears fruit. The ordinary routines and relationships where we learn to live by faith and share that faith with others. The ordinary expressions of faith that fill a day, a week, a life.

Now, the ordinary is not an ideal our culture esteems, instead, we seemingly are always on the lookout for the extraordinary. And yet, our valuing of what we think of as normal life—life as employees, friends, neighbors, parents, children, spouses, roommates, church members, etc.—isn't something we just made up or have natural proclivities towards. Rather, it stems from Paul’s admonition to a faith family in Thessalonica whose life of faith “became an example to all the believers.” (I Thes. 1:7).

Having followed Jesus in the Holy Spirit to love one another well (I Thes. 4:9), Paul says to these faithful,

“But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do this [loving one another well] more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and 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.” (I Thess. 4:10-12)

 
Let your love for one another multiple as you aspire--letting what you hope for be--to live quietly, not splashy or busy or frantic or clamorous, but calm, at peace in your daily doings, your normal labors, your common relationships for the sake of those around you and your freedom. This is Paul's admonition to a family of faith two millennia ago, and one which we have taken to be essential still today.

This coming Sunday, we began a dive into the depths and details of the freedom of an ordinary life in Jesus together to which we aspire. In preparation, I encourage you to do two things. First, consider your own aspirations, especially in regards to a life of faith. What are your ambitions? How does Paul's exhortation to ordinariness sit with you? 

Second, read Galatians. It should only take about 20 minutes to get through the entire letter. After reading Paul's letter, spend some time meditating on the relation of the message to the Galatians, and Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians. If it helps, re-read The Orthodox Jewish Bible translation of I Thessalonians 4:10-11 which provides  bit more vividness to this shaping exhortation: 
 

"And have as your ambition to lead a quiet life of peace in the home of God, and mind your own business, and have an income, a job, working with your own hands, according to the commandments we gave you. The purpose is that the way you conduct yourself in respectful rhythm with creation, be conducted properly toward outsiders and that you might not be needy, dependent on the way of the world.”

May our ambition for a quiet life bear the fruit of freedom in Jesus!