Reflecting the Father

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians  4:11-12)

Make it your AMBITION:

1.  To lead a quiet life ~ we should all consider it an honor to live for God.  May the actions we live out daily speak of our Lord and Saviour.  In quietness, there is strength.  Be aware of your actions, as each one does speak loudly of the one you serve.  Serve in love moment by moment, breath by breath. Our actions often speak louder than our words.  What are your actions saying to those who are around you?

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

2.  To mind your own business ~ we need to take care of the plank in our own eye before we start concerning ourselves about the speck in our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3).  May God continue to renew our minds, our strength, and our hearts in Him.  We are being renewed daily in Christ for something much greater than we can see.

“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

3.  To work with your own hands ~ we need to be disciplined in our daily walk with the Lord.  Just like you will not receive a paycheck at the end of the month, if you have not worked.  So also, your growth in the Lord depends on your time with Him.  Take the time to spend with the Lord.  Get to know His heart for you through His Word, through prayer, through worship, etc.  It’s worth it!

All of this is so that your life may “win the respect of outsiders”.  Those who don’t know the Lord are watching you.  They see what you do, you are a reflection of God.  Look in the mirror, what kind of reflection will you be for Him today?  I pray our reflection may be something God can be proud of.  May His face shine brightly in our lives.

Lord, I pray that You will help me lead a life that is worthy of Your grace and mercy.  May You continue to show me the areas inside of me that need to change and help me to become more like Your Son Jesus.  Teach me to be more available for You and may all my time be Yours alone, as You have given it to me!

Desiring to be a Reflection of the Father,