Observations: Paul's reminders about proper Christian living include the normal words about loving one another and doing good works, but it also includes the reminder to ... do good work. Christians are to 'lead a quiet life'. In this, we take care of our own work, doing it personally and with diligence. This is described as proper behavior, as it will appear as good to non-Christians. In addition, it removes dependence on the 'world' by producing the daily sustenance we receive from the Lord.
Application: This is an important note. While the Lord seeks to prosper us, he does so through the successful outcome of our work. This is, in my opinion, one of the "mysteries" of God. He desires the world to seek him, and so his blessings are not impossible miracles. I don't have a house and a car and food because everything just appears out of thin air. I have what I need every day because the Lord provides it, and he provides it through what appears to be earthly work. In this way, my behavior is proper to others, yet I am not dependent on anyone other than the Lord.
In this, the work commanded of me is ... my work. It is work I do myself, with my hands. And I am to do it quietly, without complaining or lamenting any burden associated with it.
I hope to be this way and remain this way when it comes to my work. I hope to simply have my work to do, with my hands. I desire to maintain a mindset of gratitude toward the work, and also to not complain when it is complex or time-consuming.
The Lord has blessed me so greatly. I cannot even begin to describe the wonder of his love toward me and my family. I do seek to lead a quiet life of good work, and to grow where the Lord has planted me.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the blessings of my life, and your amazing love in my life. May I honor you with simple work today. May others see me and be reminded in some way of you, perhaps by my work, perhaps by my peace, perhaps by my joy, perhaps by my love. May I do your work in all its forms. Amen.
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