The quiet life

But, is that true?

In the Bible, the Apostle James writes: "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity (hatred) with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). These are strong words that convict most of the people alive, today.

What was James really saying to us?

He was saying that most people in the world have based their value and worth and lifestyle on an incorrect way to live. Most people in the world want what they shouldn't have. They lust after property and material things that they want for their own pleasure, going deeply in debt or, worse, stealing. They take what is not theirs. They get, but then they are not satisfied ... they want more and more and more, and are never happy or content. This is happening all over the world.

It is the way of this world. So, ask yourself honestly: "How much am I really a part of this world?"

In the last four to five years, a phenomenon has hit the airways of television called "Reality TV." Programs that supposedly show the "reality" of our society in this modern time. One can find just about any and every kind of "reality" show one would care to watch any night (or day) of the week.

It seems that just about everyone wants to be a star on TV. If one watches any of these shows, one will see that people will do just about anything to get money and their fifteen minutes of fame. Society today seems to be an endless parade of individuals who want to be famous regardless if their values conflict with Christian teachings in the Bible. Being outrageous, being loud and obnoxious, rude, heartless, vulgar and mean seems to be the method of operation for growing numbers of people in societies worldwide.

Whatever happened to the "quiet life" so many say they yearn for? The decent life where caring for others, having restraint and showing humility, exalting others before self, loving simply yet deeply, loving the godly way of life; where have these traits gone?

What happened to hard and decent work and earning an honest wage? Not overspending or purchasing items not really needed. How did things get so twisted around? Why is the world such a material, crazy place?

In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon was inspired to write, "Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor" (Ecclesiastes 2:24). He continues: "I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man [and woman] should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:10–13).

So many people in the world, today, are dissatisfied and unhappy with what they have or who they are or what they do for a living. Yet, God inspired Paul to write about how we should live our lives in 1Thessalonians 4:10–11: "But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 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." If this is what God wants for us; isn't this what we should be doing?

For more insight on how to live a meaningful life, be sure and order the free booklet, What Is A True Christian? from our church website.