There is a verse in the Bible that advises us to "study to be quiet"! But what exactly does that mean? Well, let's break down the meaning of the two words study and quiet. To study means to "devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge" and to "look closely in order to observe or read". One definition of quiet is "carried out discreetly, secretly, or with moderation." So, we can make the conclusion that Paul advised the people of Thessalonica to devote their time and attention to living a quiet life, observing discreetly the things in which he instructed them. In the same verse, he tells them to mind their own business. He didn't want them to lose focus by worrying or delving in the affairs of others.
Many of us strive to live out loud. We want to be seen and known by everybody. Let's be honest with ourselves. Social Media has drawn us into this web of going viral. We do things that we wouldn't ordinarily do to draw the attention of the masses. We comment on people's posts we don't even know personally. We get into virtual arguments with others because they disagree with us or we disagree with them. We do not take heed to living a quiet life or minding our own business. We do not have to comment on every post we see that we do not agree with. There needs to come a time when we should mind our own affairs making sure that we are working to fulfill the purpose God has called us to do.
We are all called to the work of building the kingdom of God. We can't do the work if we are constantly involved in other people's business and not focused on kingdom business. Let's change our mindset and follow the advice of Paul. Let us strive to live a quiet life, tending to the business God has given us. Let's devote our time and attention to walking out our purpose which will not only benefit us but also God's kingdom. Let's make it our goal to study to be quiet!
"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before." - 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NLT