1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 The Peace of God

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, 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, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. [1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 NASB]

The world's idea of ambition is climb the ladder of success. It doesn't matter how many people you have to climb over, as long as you reach the top.

An oft repeated phrase in the business world is, "If you're not moving forward, you're moving backwards." In other words, your ambition needs to grow. You set a goal, then if you meet that goal, you set another one, ad infinitum. There is no end game beyond climbing the ladder. And if you succeed, it's not enough. It is famously said that Alexander the Great, upon seeing the breadth of his domain, wept because there were no more worlds to conquer.

The world moves at a frenetic pace. Everybody is in a hurry. We have work, children are rushed out the door for school, deadlines are demanding our attention. We work ourselves into a frenzy until we burn out. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pace. We take out our frustrations on our families, because we can't afford to melt down at work.

This is not how it should be for the Christian.

Instead of climbing over others to ascend the ladder of success, we should be reaching behind to help someone else.

The ambition of a Christian should be to live a quiet life. Jesus said;

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30 NASB]

Paul told us;

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 NASB]

It's easy to become anxious in the world, but God gives us peace. As I write this the COVID-19 coronavirus is gaining momentum in the United States and in the world. When I did my bi-weekly grocery shopping, I saw long, empty rows where the paper supplies should be. I noticed the anxious expressions on people's faces, and heard the panic in their voices.

It was tempting to be influenced by the panic around me, and by the news that I read. But, I remember who my God is, and I find peace. Jesus doesn't want us to be afraid of anything in the world, even to the point of death. He said;

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." [Luke 12:4-7 NASB]

Until the Lord comes, we must live int the flesh. Because we inhabit flesh, our bodies will get sick. Sometimes we recover, and sometimes we don't. Paul said;

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. [2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB]

We have a hope that is far beyond anything this world can offer. I hope I don't catch the virus, but I have a greater hope that I will stand before my Lord in glory. That is why I can live without fear, even in a crisis. There is nothing in this world, including the coronavirus, that can separate me from the love of God.

Father, I thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for the Hope of Your calling. I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world, that you will protect them and give them Your peace.