Palm Sunday
April 5, 2020
I Thessalonians 4:11…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands…
Pauls’ exhortation is happening for many of us during this time of social distancing. The challenge to lead a quiet life in a hectic world is considerable, but as believers we can take decisive steps that will benefit us personally and spiritually. Paul was perhaps objecting to the many distractions we each face, perhaps inviting us to bring a little more peace and quiet into our homes, spending more time with family members and neighbors, in personal reflection and prayer. The real thrust for this passage is to live peaceably with others, without disturbance or conflict, minding our own business and working diligently while (walking) properly toward those who are outside the faith. We can live peaceably by avoiding quarrels and complaints; by refusing to take offense when others hurt us; by not getting entangled in the affairs of others; and by humbly accepting the circumstances that God sends us for our good, rather than grumbling.
