Today's Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Sunday, September 6, 1959

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to 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.
— 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What's your ambition? I don't know about you, but I'm not so sure I could say my ambition is to "live a quiet life and work with your hands." (I'm a bit of a loud person, but I do love to work with my hands!) When I hear the apostle Paul's reason for that command, I understand his purpose in giving it. Many people I meet are frazzled, run-down, and exhausted with all their busyness. They never acquire the seat equity and satisfaction of finishing a job with their hands. I don't want to live in a way that ruins my life's influence on others, especially those who don't know Jesus. I hope you will join me in committing to quietening your life a bit, trusting God more for what you need each day, and seeking to work hard with your hands to win the respect of those around you. I don't want to be dependent upon anyone but God!

My Prayer...

O precious and righteous Father, I need your help to slow down and tend to my responsibilities instead of running around out of control and without purpose. Please grant me the wisdom and patience to live a quiet life that graciously influences those around me toward you. In Jesus' name, I ask it. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Busy as Good Examples, Not as Busybodies!
Devo: Together in Christ
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are...."
Right Ambition
Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Inspirational illustration of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 -- Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to 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
God's Will: Perfect Love
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, perfecter of our love, Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which you give us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and..."
It Isn't (All) About the Money
Article by Rubel Shelly
Wouldn't you want to work here? Rubel Shelly talks about the best places to work and how it isn't all about money.
See All 8 Related Resources about 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 — Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, September 6, 1959

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Sing with Joy!' (Je. 31:7-9)
"Sing with joy for Israel. Shout for the greatest of nations! Shout out with praise and joy: "Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!" For I....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 148:14
"The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to his servant Moses, he said, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Skip Points of Grace' (Acts 19:8-10)
"[In Ephesus, next] Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. But some...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Mark Aulson:
"Sin has a diminishing factor to it. It always gives its best in the beginning. It never gets better after that ... it only gets worse."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse