FIRST THINGS FIRST – “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE”

When someone wants to build a beautiful mansion, or a majestic palace, they have to begin with a plan. Then, they need to gather money, material, and men, to execute that plan. The most important and critical part of that proposed mansion or palace is, the foundation. Without a proper and quality foundation, everything else, however rich and wonderful it may be, will be a waste of time, effort, and money. Don’t you think so?

The same principle applies to our spiritual lives too – the Christian walk. We need to lay a firm, proper and quality foundation to our Christian lives. These are principle that we live by. The morals, ethics and principle that govern and guide our conduct. Paul, writing to the Christians at Thessalonica, has some very deep and insightful words, on the theme of a firm foundation.
– ’11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Let us, for this morning, look at the words, “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE” which I believe is, the most important of all aspects of building our Christian lives. In simpler words, it is placing “FIRST THINGS FIRST.” If we look closely at “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE” – there are two parts to it – “ASPIRE” and “QUIET LIFE.”

1- THE FIRST PART – “ASPIRE”
What kind of a Christian life are we aspiring for? Do we have a variety of things to choose from? I guess not. The Greek word used for “aspire” is, Philotimeisthai – φιλοτιμεῖσθαι. It means, “To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly.” This means…
– we should have an aspiration and an ambition, as a Christian, for our lives.
– We are to passionately and purposefully pursue that which we aspire for, with all our heart, mind and strength. 
The million dollar question is, “What is it, that we are to pursue?” The answer to this question is found in the second part of what Paul is saying.

2- THE SECOND PART – “QUIET LIFE”
We as Christians are encouraged by the Word of God, through the words of the apostle Paul, “TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE.” The undertone of these words has, far reaching consequences, and deeper ramifications, for our lives, and for our walk, as Christians. We are called to live a “QUIET LIFE” – where the significance is on leading a SIMPLE, PEACEFUL, UNHURRIED, UNFETTERED and almost INCOGNITO life.

However, this does not mean, our lives ought to be lived insignificantly, and that, all our time, talents and opportunities must be wasted – buried in the ground, like the servant with one talent did. Far from it, the LORD has something exactly opposite to it. What the LORD wants, is not, how the world perceives ambition, dream, vision, purpose and goals in life. What the Bible is asking us, is that, we focus on living a simple, yet focussed life; a life that bears fruit, much fruit, more fruit, and lasting fruit, for the glory of God, and for the blessing of His people, unlike what the world offers us, unprofitable, momentary and perishable fruit.
– “Quiet has the thought of peace, calm, rest and satisfaction. ii. The quiet life contradicts the hugely successful modern attraction to entertainment and excitement. This addiction to entertainment and excitement is damaging both spiritually and culturally. We might say that excitement and entertainment are like a religion for many people today.” – Enduring Word Commentary

Having looked at “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE” let us see where we stand. What are we running after in our lives? What are we aspiring for? What kind of ambition, dream, and vision, that is driving our lives? Does our aspiration, measure upto what the LORD is asking from His followers and disciples? Let us THINK ABOUT IT, dear brothers and sisters. Even so, the LORD help us.