It Starts Small

⁹ Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. ¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ¹¹ 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, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

2 Thessalonians 4:9-12

we do not need to write to you

Paul is truly uplifting them! Even when he offers guidance, he does so with a spirit of encouragement. He says things like, “You are doing wonderfully; keep up the fantastic work!” We can adopt this powerful message to motivate those around us to strive for even greater heights. When we praise them for their outstanding efforts, we inspire them. This ignites a fire within them to continue excelling. They surpass their own limits.

This was not a significant area of need for the Thessalonians. It was still helpful to share this with them again. However, it was not necessary.

you do love all of God’s family

³⁴ For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. ³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

John 3:34-35

Jesus proclaimed that our love is the unmistakable hallmark that will reveal to the world that we are His disciples! Our flawless doctrine or elaborate church programs don’t matter. It’s not the eloquence of our gospel sharing. It’s not the grandeur of our buildings or even the melodies we sing. No! The true mark of a Christian lies in our genuine love for one another! Will those outside the faith witness this love radiating from your life? Sadly, all too often, they only perceive the painful divisions over theological debates that are beyond their grasp. They observe the backbiting and slander that plague us. Perhaps they see bustling churches where individuals come to sit, listen, and leave without so much as a heartfelt conversation. This is NOT the love Jesus spoke of!

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

What can you see in this passage about their love for each other? How is this different from how believers act toward each other today?

Today, our lives are strikingly different, shaped by a sense of ownership over everything we possess. We fiercely guard our time, believing it to be solely ours, and we often find ourselves with little to give. Our hard-earned money feels like an extension of our identity, a testament to our struggles and achievements. We cherish our private lives, seeing them as sacred spaces. Yet, when we step into the church, it’s not merely to connect or support one another. It’s often to be seen and to listen. We go to fulfill an obligation rather than to truly forge bonds and uplift those around us.

Maybe you are already thriving, but there is always a greater height to reach! Take a few moments. Pour your heart into crafting a list of meaningful ways to express love to your fellow believers. Organize your thoughts into two powerful categories. The first is dedicated to “special situations” like pregnancy, illness, or the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. The second focused on the joy of showing love in everyday encounters. Dream big, but stay practical. Avoid suggestions that are out of your reach. For instance, if you live in a dorm, skip the idea of hosting a dinner at your home. Instead, jot down actions that inspire you, actions you can embrace with genuine effort and passion!

IF you are using the free printable Journal, at the back of the journal is a page devoted to this.

And in fact, you do love

Notice that in verse 10, Paul passionately affirms that the Thessalonians are indeed putting love into action. Love is not merely an “every now and then” occurrence; it demands to be lived out fervently every single day. Parents must not reserve their love for their children only for the moments when they shine bright or behave well. It is heart-wrenching to hear parents utter the words, “Then I don’t love you anymore,” when their child falters. This is simply unacceptable! True parental love means embracing our children in their most unlovable moments. And we are called to extend this unwavering love to our fellow believers as well.

do so more and more,

This is the second time Paul has used this phrase in this chapter. The first time was in verse 1.

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:1
(Bold for emphasis)

Here we uncover a vital truth: believers are called to a journey of constant growth! There is never a moment in this life when we can claim we have reached our full potential. It’s unlikely in the next life either. No matter how well we might be faring, there’s always room for improvement! The phrase “excel still more” serves as an inspiring motto; strive for excellence, but never settle for mere adequacy! Challenge yourself relentlessly to push beyond your limits and soar to even greater heights!

Complacency is one of Satan’s cunning tactics to stifle the flourishing of our Christian journeys! Have you committed five verses to memory? Fantastic! Now, challenge yourself to learn ten more! Memorized ten? Aim for a hundred and set your sights even higher! Once you’ve conquered a hundred, embark on the incredible adventure of memorizing entire books of the Bible! This relentless pursuit applies to every facet of our lives. It includes our Bible reading and memorization, our prayer life, and our service to others. It also involves our fervent sharing of the gospel and our deep, authentic love for our fellow believers.

make it your ambition

Believers are called to embrace a powerful ambition! Yet, our aspirations transcend the superficial pursuits of the world—where status, position, career, and wealth reign supreme. Our ultimate goal is to serve and obey God with all our hearts. We find deep contentment and fulfillment in the path He lays before us. This commitment can be beautifully illustrated in two ways. The first is by the courageous homemaker who steps away from a prestigious, high-paying career to nurture her family. The second is by the businessman who turns down a lucrative promotion to remain rooted with his loved ones. To the world, these decisions may seem foolish, but in the eyes of God, they represent the pinnacle of wisdom! In wholeheartedly embracing His calling, they unlock a profound joy and satisfaction that only God can bestow.

to lead a quiet life

Interesting! Paul didn’t urge us to chase ambitions for the presidency or CEO roles. Instead, he beckons us towards a quiet and devoted life in obedience to God. That is truly enough! How few among us today embrace this tranquil existence! When you ask someone, “How are you doing?” what’s the typical response? “Busy. Soooo busy.” It’s time to reflect: how can we infuse this verse into the chaos of busyness? I would challenge them to consider what exactly fills their time. Much of this frenzy is simply the result of letting ourselves be swept along by cultural currents. Parents, for instance, are often consumed with shuttling their children to various activities. They have piano lessons, swimming classes, soccer practices, choir rehearsals, dance lessons, language courses, and martial arts sessions. This leaves little room for anything meaningful beyond that whirlwind.

Dad and Mom are utterly worn out, tirelessly trying to manage the overwhelming load of countless classes. Their days seem to vanish in the relentless grind of jobs, clocking in overtime after overtime. Perhaps it’s the insatiable drive for knowledge that has everyone pouring their hearts into their studies. Each individual is chasing after this certificate and that one, fueled by the ambition to carve out a brighter future.

Are these things wrong?

²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

John 6:27

Their busyness is not drawing them, or anyone else, nearer to the Lord; instead, it pulls them away from what truly matters, much like how Martha missed the profound teachings of Jesus. We should embrace a life of simplicity and tranquility. Happiness does not hinge on an abundance of possessions! We must not bury ourselves in relentless busyness just to chase after meaningless things we don’t even need. Society is obsessed with the latest and greatest technology—whether it’s iPhone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10. How many upgrades do we truly require? Is an iPhone 6 genuinely a significant leap over an iPhone 5? It wasn’t long ago that most people couldn’t even fathom owning a cell phone, let alone these extravagant smartphones. How much is truly enough? What will finally satisfy your craving for happiness?

mind your own business

This point is passionately intertwined with the pursuit of a “quiet life.” Many individuals immerse themselves in the affairs of others, and unfortunately, some believers fall into this trap as well. Yet, God desires so much more for us. He wants us to avoid entangling ourselves in matters that are none of our concern. Embracing this truth, we uncover several profound principles:

• Do not let the weight of others’ opinions crush your spirit or dictate your path! Life is far too precious to be molded solely by the expectations of those around you. Paul, in Thessalonians, reminds us that our highest aim must be to please God. Let this truth ignite your heart! Maintain a vibrant and unwavering conscience between yourself and God! Embrace the path He lays before you without a second thought to the opinions of others. Your true calling should not confine how you utilize your resources. Whether you serve as a missionary, a pastor, or a dynamic entrepreneur, remember that every blessing you possess comes from God. Each blessing comes from God Himself. Every role has its unique blessings. Remember that they all come from God Himself. You are His steward, entrusted with incredible gifts that should be leveraged for His glory!

Our heart is what matters. Make sure that you are being motivated by the right things.

• Never, ever meddle in the affairs of others! Believers will inevitably make choices that differ from your own, and that’s a beautiful part of our journey. Steer clear of inserting yourself into matters that don’t concern you! If you’re a parent, pastor, or fellowship leader, there will be moments when you must step in. When you do, ensure that your foundation is anchored in solid biblical truth. Avoid simply preaching your personal opinions. They hold no more weight than anyone else’s! Stand firm in faith, but choose your battles wisely!

Sometimes we are quick to judge others.

• He is incredibly frugal, almost to a fault.
• At times, he splurges extravagantly, leaving one to wonder about his priorities.
• Her doctrine is fundamentally flawed, lacking the wisdom it desperately needs.
• The pastor made a grievous error in judgment, one that has far-reaching repercussions.
• It is high time he reconsiders his career path, seeking a role that truly inspires him.

The list stretches endlessly. Keep in mind the wisdom of the verse, “attend to your own business.” If it doesn’t concern you, resist the temptation to involve yourself. And for goodness’ sake, refrain from spreading words about those individuals or those matters. Gossiping is not just trivial; it’s a sin that inflicts deep wounds. It fractures bonds and tears apart relationships and communities.

This verse inspires us to engage boldly with others. It encourages offering our heartfelt advice. We can gently highlight the challenges they may face in their lives. It imparts vital guidelines that empower us to connect deeply and authentically:

• Our focus must fiercely remain on ourselves rather than getting consumed by the actions of others. Occasionally, a challenge may present itself, demanding our attention. When it does, face it head-on! However, if trouble doesn’t come knocking at your door, resist the urge to chase it down. Some individuals seem to thrive on the relentless pursuit of correcting everyone they encounter. This relentless meddling only serves to drain our energy and divert us from our true passions. Embrace your own journey and let others navigate theirs!
• Ask yourself: Is this my business? As guardians of our children, students, and church members, we bear a profound responsibility. However, our duty does not extend to every random stranger or even every fellow believer. For instance, I may observe that some women are not dressing modestly, even within our sacred church walls. Yet, this does not grant me the right to confront each one. It is the duty of their husbands or a trusted Christian sister to approach them with love and compassion.

Work with your hands

This verse powerfully illustrates the essential balance of embracing a quiet life. Some may choose a simple existence out of laziness. We must not confuse homeschooling with neglecting our responsibilities. Similarly, living a quiet life does not equate to idleness. Here, we uncover an unambiguous biblical mandate that compels believers to work diligently. This calling resonates with a missionary in a distant land. He is fully backed by generous donors. He should passionately labor for the Lord! It also speaks to the devoted housewife who’s at home each day. She must not fall into the trap of watching TV all day long. Instead, she should find purpose and meaning in her vital contributions!

Working was divinely ordained by God in the breathtaking Garden of Eden. It is a sacred act filled with purpose. The essence of creativity resonates through the ages.

¹⁵ The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Genesis 2:!5

It was established before the fall! We often harbor a negative view of work. Yet, it has been intricately woven into God’s grand design for us since the very beginning. If you feel resistance to work, it might just be a reflection of laziness. Moreover, we are called to work with our hands! There is profound honor in manual labor, a dignity that cannot be overlooked. While we have the capacity to engage our minds, the instruction remains clear: we must labor with our hands. It is vital that children learn to embrace this from a young age. This includes taking out the trash, setting the table, sweeping and mopping. It also involves washing windows, pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, fixing things, painting, or cooking. Every task contributes to their growth and understanding of the value of hard work!

Encouraging your children to engage in these activities is not oppressive. Instead, it’s a powerful lesson in the value of hard work. It shows them the significance of using their hands to create and contribute. These are vital skills that will serve them throughout their lives. In our current world, many kids only seem to use their hands for one tangible activity. They focus on tapping out instant messages on their smartphones. If their fingers are agile enough for that, think about their potential to tackle household chores. They can approach these tasks with the same fervor and skill!

As adults, we must embrace hard work with fervor and determination! We should roll up our sleeves and deliver an honest day’s effort. We must also honor those who toil in the manual labor sector. These individuals keep our society running! It is disheartening to see young people searching tirelessly for employment. They often question their own job criteria. This search can last for months on end. Are they seeking a cushy position that demands little effort? Manual labor, they might assume, is beneath them, but this mindset is deeply flawed. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that no job should be seen as inferior. Perhaps it’s time to reassess their standards. They should embrace the humble beginnings. With dedication and resilience, they can passionately work their way up!

so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

These principles serve a powerful dual purpose. They illuminate how we ought to treat others and guide us toward a life brimming with contentment, free from want. When you dedicate yourself to your own path, you will naturally find what you need. This helps you avoid the temptation to meddle in others’ affairs. In these verses, we uncover the essence of a truly balanced Christian life. Yes, we must work, but let it not consume us. We should aspire to great heights, yet let our ambitions be noble and just. We are called to uplift and encourage one another, but let us refrain from becoming busybodies. Embrace a life of simplicity. Do so not for the sake of appearances. Let it be a genuine expression of our faith and values.

Does your life strike the perfect balance? Are you caught in the whirlwind of busyness, or do you savor the serenity of a peaceful existence? Are you fiercely dedicated to your own pursuits? Is your ambition ignited by the things that truly matter?

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Cross-References

On minding your own business:

• 1 Timothy 5:13
• 2 Thessalonians 3:11
• Proverbs 20:3
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6

On work:

• Genesis 2:15
• Ephesians 4:28
• 2 Thessalonians 3:10
• Matthew 11:28
• John 6:27

Discussion Questions

• If they had no need for anyone to write to them on this topic, why did Paul do it?
• What is the “love of the brethren”?
• What did Jesus say about it? Why is the “love of the brethren” important?
• How can you better practice loving other believers? Can you do better in this area, or have you reached perfection? What special things can you do to show love to others? When they are pregnant? Getting married? Have a newborn? Are sick? Have a death in the family?
• What regular things can you do to show love to others even if they are not facing any special situations?
• What is most people’s ambition? Would the average person be satisfied with this kind of life?
• What does it mean to lead a quiet life? To attend to your own business? Work with your hands?
• What is the connection between verse 12 and verse 11?

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