One of the instructions that the Apostle Paul repeats in his letters is to, “lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 3:11; 1 Tim. 2:`). I often think about what living the quiet life actually looks like. Is he saying we should keep our mouths shut? This is difficult to do, especially when we experience injustice. Is he saying we should not let our emotions drive our decisions? Strong opinions aren’t bad. The passions that make us want to pound our fists on the table can have good motivations.
In the context of these “quiet life” verses, Paul describes a lifestyle that “pleases God.” A quiet life pleases God. This is a life that trusts God’s sovereign will above our own individual hopes, passions, and opinions. Living the quiet life is trusting the active power of God when things don’t go the way we want it to. Perhaps that’s why Paul says in these verses to pray for all people, especially ‘those in authority’ over us and to ‘mind your own business.’
Today, in my personal scripture reading, I was led to a passage that mirrors the prescriptions of the quiet life verses. It is Hebrews 13:1-8.
We live a life that pleases God, regardless of the outcomes we don’t like about our day because “God has said:
‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'” (Heb. 13:5-6)
This truth is powerful! It’s proclaimed in both the OT and NT. Let’s not gloss over one of the most important phrases of this verse as it pertains to the quiet life. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, “He has said” must be our daily resort.” (Morning, Feb. 21)
I love that. What God says brings us peace. It is like a “daily resort.” Today, may God’s will be the resort we enjoy in the midst of whatever shall come.
Daniel Flores Jr. 