What’s on your agenda today? As you run down your to-do list, how many of those things happen behind the scenes? Those seemingly thankless tasks that people rarely notice. Washing the dishes. Putting away the toys. Calculating the spreadsheet. Organizing the files. Filling out applications. The struggle is real as the list goes on.
I had a geometry teacher named Mr. Arnold in high school. He spoke in a deliberate, monotone, and dry cadence. Repeated one-liners emanated from his lessons over and over again. The walls of the classrooms carried these lines so that he could put to them during class as a reminder. One sign said this:
“…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…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11
When the class got loud, he would put to the sign. When we complained about the geometry homework, he pointed to the sign. When we tried to negotiate not taking a test, he pointed to the sign. At least one-two times each class, he reminded us of that verse.
Like geometry homework, you and I have unglamorous and mundane tasks filled in our day. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians 4:11 in the context of love for other people in verse 9. In experiencing the Gospel and life-change in him, are we willing to accomplish the responsibility set before us in the roles he has given us? That’s the message from Paul to the Thessalonians and the message to us today.
“Aspiring to lead a quiet life…” starts with knowing our value and identity comes from Jesus. The love Jesus has offered us leads us to serve those he has placed in our lives. Working hard and the quiet life is a test of faith because it challenges our patience, removes our pride, and relinquishes our need for fleeting approval.
Let me ask again, what’s on your agenda today? Start today seeing Jesus in the behind the scenes tasks and how you love the people around you. May each mundane task becomes an opportunity for your faith and maturity to grow.
Photo by NeONBRAND
Wow! Simply profound!