1 Thessalonians 4:11
11 And [kai] that ye study [philotimeomai] to be quiet, [hesuchazo] and [kai] to do [prasso] your own business, [idios] and [kai] to work with [ergazomai] your [humon] own [idios] hands, [cheir] as [kathos] we commanded [paraggello] you; [humin] KJV-Interlinear
11 and to make it your ambition
to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands,
just as we commanded you; NASB
To study to be quite,
to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, are three idioms that
describe the manner and acceptable social behavior of the mature believer, or
of one who is advancing in his spiritual life.
Study to be quiet,
means to pursue honor.You are to live
your life observing respect and being respectful. To give credit where credit is due. To not presume credit or recognition for
yourself, regardless of whether you deserve it or not. To preserve the reputation of others, and to
do nothing that would cause damage to the reputation of others.
To do your own
business, means to not be meddlesome.To
not interfere in the lives of others.To
avoid gossip and maligning, and judging.
To respect the privacy of others and not invade their right to privacy
and having their own life as they see fit to live it.
To mind your own
business.To not engage in the promotion
of social issues, crusades, beliefs that may or may not be recognized by
others.To not attempt to forcibly superimpose
your standards and beliefs and views, onto others.
To work with your own
hands, means to take care of your own life.
To not superimpose expectations or make demands of others for your own
sake.To consider your own life, your
own options, and pursue them yourself.
To not be a habitually
idle person, but work when work is required, to not be a reckless or lazy bum
on the street corner simply because it seems to be an easier way of life. To be responsible, to recognize your
responsibilities, to go the extra mile in performing your assigned or expected
duties.
To keep your life, your
home, your work area clear and orderly, to the best of your ability.
And although these
attributes apply to your temporal life, it follows that your spiritual life should
follow the same principles of pursuing a genuine approach to your spiritual growth. Not one with ulterior motives, and certainly
not one that attempts to compromise Gods principles in order to fit some
convenient desires or beliefs that you simply do not want to change.
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