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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Depression Isn't a New Problem — Pray '
"I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by James Houston:
"When our lives are focused on God, awe and wonder lead us to worship God, filling our inner being with a fullness we would never have thought possible. Awe..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Discipline in Love' (1 Co. 5:9-13)
"Dear Father, lover of righteousness and purity, Give us determination to keep your command not to associate with the immoral - not at all meaning the..."

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