byHow do you see life? To many, it’s not going well because of the many atrocities that they go through every day, especially concerning money issues. That isn’t new because money has somehow created scarcity in many areas of life since it was invented. Countries cannot run their economies well without resources. It’s the same for businesses, organisations and even ministries. But life isn’t all about money or what you can do with money.
Jesus said that life is more than what we eat, drink and wear (see Matthew 6:25), all of which we use money to get. Right? That means there’s more to life than just having material possessions. Things like peace of mind and salvation cannot be bought with money, yet they are very fundamental needs for every human, knowingly or unknowingly. In this article, I want to briefly discuss what Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV), which is essential for seeing God’s progress in your life as His child. Let’s read the scripture first.
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,”
Lead, not “live” a quiet life.
If you read that scripture carefully, you’ll realise that Paul didn’t use the word “live” but “lead.” So, in no way is Paul advocating that believers in Christ live quiet lives. No! You must talk, but say what is always in accordance with scripture. If it were written that you should live a quiet life, God would have contradicted Himself because it is written in the same Bible that we should pray without ceasing (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
God is saying that you must make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. That means self-leadership is a necessity in Christ. Many people, when discussing leadership, often refer to leading others rather than themselves. But you cannot effectively lead others if you don’t learn how to lead yourself well. For instance, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV) that,
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
The man of God knew that just because he had preached to others about some things they shouldn’t do, it didn’t mean he was excluded from being tempted by those same things. It is everywhere. If you don’t learn to live by what you say, you’ll end up contradicting yourself, and others will pick up on your words. I’ve seen people leave organisations because the leaders constantly taught what they weren’t practising. Such a tragedy! Dear leader, lead yourself.
One interesting thing about self-leadership is that it’s all about you. That’s why it’s quiet. Whether you do it well or not, you’ll be the best person to know it. Those around you, such as your spouse or close friends, can help detect some signs of poor self-leadership. But at the end of the day, you must do your own self-correction.
Be concerned about others under discretion.
Nobody was born an island. You cannot make it in life without God and people helping you. Even in ministry, you can’t do it effectively without people. So, please don’t misinterpret it when the scripture says make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. You must also be concerned about other people but at your discretion. As a parent, take full responsibility for your children. Also, as a leader, be responsible for whatever you are handling. But let your self-leadership transition you to leading others well because God has called you to impact many with what you do.
You are a blessing.
