By Rachel Graham
One of my firm beliefs about life as a Christian is that my walk HAS TO
BE a daily renewal of a commitment to be more Christ-like. I try to
consistently remind myself that I may do a better job at some things than I
did in the past but in no way shape or form am I ever close to achieving the
level where I can quit trying to be a better, more Christ-like person.
I found a verse in my night Bible readings that really threw this in my
face.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says:
“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.”
There are so many Christian women I know, including myself that have serious
issues in these areas. I often think, “Wow, that woman is addicted to
drama.” I’ve always thought that this was not a good way to be, but I had no
idea that it was addressed this specifically in scripture.
Lead a quiet life and mind your own business is just as relevant today as it
was back then. We need no extra visualization to tie this to our own lives.
Women must have been gossipy beings ready to spew any information they had
about anyone that people may want to hear even back two thousand years ago!
I like to talk and so sometimes I find myself talking about other people. I
am praying about and trying to train myself to be aware when these
conversations go beyond what I would be comfortable discussing in front of
the person in question AND my grandmother. Just prayer for awareness has
started to change. Gossip feels different when you are conscious of the fact
you are directed to stay away from it in this passage and others in the
Bible.
Work with your hands can mean be productive, you can say that you are
valuable until the cows come home but until you earn the respect of your
peers in any situation you will not truly be independent or have the
appreciation that you want and deserve.
My prayer for you this week is that you take this verse to heart and
actively think about times when Jesus would tell you, “Be still.” Be it your
mouth or your mind, I hope you are thinking daily about how you can be a
better Christian.
Keep storing gifts for yourself in heaven sisters and brothers, and we will
celebrate together some day!
Written for Bible Study for Kids - Rachel's Reflections Blog
