11 …”and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 (ESV)
In addition to brotherly love and biblical truth, believers in Christ are to be individuals of aspiration. What does this mean?
Aspiration is the hope or ambition of achieving something. It is a strong desire to attain and accomplish a high or great goal. This may be an education, a career, a family, political office, or a monetary goal and lifestyle. An individual once told me he aspired to become a millionaire. Consequently, he worked hard and ultimately achieved his goal.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to aspire (φιλοτιμεῖσθαι; philotimeisthai) in a present, personal and infinite manner. He wanted them to be people with ambition who would love and seek honor. The question arises regarding what does the Lord think is honorable for the believer in Christ to aspire or pursue?
Paul said “to live quietly” ( ἡσυχάζειν; hesychaein) which means to presently, actively and infinitely remain silent and peaceful. God’s desire is for His children to not sow discord among the brethren (Prov. 16:19). It also means to maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit within the church body (Eph. 4:1-3).
The apostle then said for believers “and to mind your own affairs.” “To mind” (πράσσειν; prassein) means to presently, actively and infinitely engage or practice a particular behavior. The phrase “own affairs” (ἴδια; idia) refers to one’s own private and personal matters related to home, property, finances and perspectives. In other words, the LORD is encouraging people to mind their own business and to not be nosey.
“The guidance Paul gives in today’s passage also provides a way to love others inside and outside the church. We read that we are to “aspire to live quietly, and to mind [our] own affairs” (v. 11). The words in this verse are used elsewhere in Greek literature to commend not making trouble in society. Essentially, Paul tells us to be good neighbors, to mind our own business, and not to be nuisances in the community. Christians must not cause unnecessary social problems. We dare not look for trouble with others or with the culture’s institutions, though we must seek justice when necessary (Mic. 6:8),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
One way for believers to mind their own business is by working. The phrase “to work with your hands” (ἐργάζεσθαι; ergazesthai) means to presently, personally and infinitely do your own labor and work. If you focus on what God has called you to do, you will be less likely to focus on what someone else is doing, or not doing.
Two thoughts emerge with this admonition and directive. First, perhaps many within the Thessalonian church has ceased working because of the perspective of Jesus’ soon return. Second, there may have been some degradation towards manual labor.
“Paul also writes that Christians should work with their hands (1 Thess. 4:11). Let us note two things about this instruction. First, given that Paul addresses matters related to the return of Christ in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, many commentators believe that his emphasis on labor here and in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12 means that many in the Thessalonian church had stopped working because they expected the world to end soon. If so, they reasoned that they did not need to waste time working when all was about to end anyway,” states Dr. Sproul.
“Second, the phrase “work with your hands” (1 Thess. 4:11) refers to manual labor, which recognizes the dignity of such work. The ancient Macedonians looked down on those who worked with their hands, but manual labor is a noble Christian calling. Of course, we can extend the Apostle’s instruction to all forms of lawful work.”
John Calvin comments, “What [Paul] says as to hands is by way of synecdoche [using a part to represent the whole]; but there can be no doubt that he includes every useful employment of human life.” (See Colossians 3:23-24). Paul indicated this was not new teaching. He, along with Silas and Timothy, previously taught this to the Thessalonians.
Finally, in today’s text Paul wrote, “…so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” To walk properly (περιπατῆτε; peripatete) means to presently and actively pursue a decent and biblically ordered life and lifestyle before unbelievers. This is so the unconverted may see our good works and glorify God (Matt. 4:14-16). “To be dependent on no one” (χρείαν; chreian) refers to pursuing through one’s own labor and initiative personal needs and not depend upon a welfare state. Paul exemplified this directive (Acts 18:1-4).
“If we are able to work, we must seek to work. And we must seek to live quietly, not putting ourselves in situations where we do not belong. These things commend the Christian life to others, and God uses them to make the gospel more reasonable to those whom He has chosen. If we want to be good witnesses, let us work hard and be good neighbors. And when opportunity comes to share the gospel while doing so, let us share it,” concludes Dr. Sproul.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. May each of aspire to what God has called us to do before a watching world. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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