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 Paul
wrote the Thessalonians that they should “study to be quiet,
and to do your own business, and to work with your hands —.”
(1 Thes. 4:11) We feel this is much needed advice now.
“Study”
is from a word meaning “be ambitious,” used Rom. 15:20 (“strived”
“making it my aim”) and 2 Cor. 5:9 (“labour”). This “quietness”
is not a negative “at ease in Zion” attitude of unconcern.
It is something set as a goal, something that requires positive
planning and execution.
The
Thessalonians had reacted to preaching about the second coming
of Christ by ceasing daily ordinary activities, and engaging in
hysterical, useless waiting — becoming a deadweight upon
society and brethren. Our generation has their counterpart. The
text says “break it up.” “Quietness” is a worthy
ambition; work for it.
Lenski
thinks “to be quiet” is, “namely: to attend to your
own business and to work with your hands even as,” etc. It is
the tranquility found in meaningful occupation; its counterpart
being “some that walk among you disorderly, that work
not at all, but are busybodies.” (2 Thes. 3:11)
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Luke
uses the word four times: for “rested” (Lu. 23:56), and
three times to indicate inward control, self-imposed “peace.”
(Lu, 14:4; Acts 11:18; 21: 14) If we will grasp the “self-imposed”
aspect of the word, we can see why Paul made it an “ambition.”
Christians
need not expect a life free from trials (1 Pet. 4:12-f), nor
void of struggle (1 Tim. 6:12). We pray for kings, etc., “that
we may lead a tranquil and quiet life,” but this is not an
indolent, self—indulgent life. We seek greater opportunity for
service to God, conditions conductive to the spread of His word.
Our
“peace” is that of the soldier who fights vigorously, with
conviction that his cause is right and just. Our “quietness”
is that of faith; the steadying influence, lest we “beat the
air.” (1 Cor. 9:25-27)
Our
problems will not be solved by youthful bluster or aged
compromise.
WE
NEED MEN WHO “STUDY TO BE QUIET.”
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