Monday, November 16, 2009

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Contentment in the career world

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
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,
12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.
NASU


Thoughts:

These verses have helped guide me in my career life, perhaps more than any others.  Rather than engaging in the self-promotion that is the norm in this world, our ambition is instead to live a quiet life. 

Although I think there are many benefits to this in terms of the peace it brings into our lives, one that Paul notes is a good witness to the lost (verse 12).  It is hard to be a light in the secular workplace, when we ourselves are engaged in the same cut-throat ladder-climbing, that many of them are.

Still, God does place some Christians in positions of prominence in this world.  The issue is not the job title, but the heart of the Christian. 


Prayer:

Thank You that as Your child, I do not need to rely on my ability to "make it in this world."  My faith is in You, not in my striving for more.

Help me to be a good witness in my workplace, and wherever I go.

Amen