If asked what is their ambition, many people will answer: making good money, having a good life meaning a life filled with material possessions, etc. My brother, my sister, it is not bad to have such an ambition, as long as it is aligned with God’s Word. However, when your eyes are set on things of the world, you will also adopt attitudes of the world to reach your goals. But when you set your eyes on the Lord Jesus and things above, then life has another perspective, because your fear of the Lord will urge you to do what is right, and therefore what would lead you to a quiet life.
Today’s verses tell us this: “Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 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, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody..” My friend, Christian living is more than simply showing love to others. We must be responsible in all areas of life. You see, some people adopt a life of idleness and they always find excuses to justify their dependence on others. This is not new under the sun! In this passage Apostle Paul was speaking to the believers who were acting similarly and He is telling us that we too, as believers of Christ, we must strive to work hard and live quiet lives. looking too much in life will never make your life quiet, but rather cause a lot of frustration in you.
Now, you may say that you came to the Lord hoping not to have to work hard any longer and get all the blessings available, just like the Israelites were fed on the manna. Wrong reason for following Jesus! Nevertheless, keep in mind that God is still feeding you with the manna, sometimes even when you don’t know it… you may not notice it because that manna does not match your own expectations, your own ambition! That is the reason why your life might still be agitated. And today, as we are in the end times, and all the bad things announced in the Word are happening around us, and so many people think they know so much, you cannot be effective in sharing your faith with others if they do not respect you. Whatever you do, do it faithfully to be a positive force in society: that’s what the quiet life that comes from God’s purpose for your life should bring about in your life. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.