The Testimony of Hard Work – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Paul has just celebrated the church in Thessalonica. Their faith and walk with God, their testimony of turning from idols to the living God, shine brightly. He has charged them not to live in immorality and to love each other more and more—a great witness to the world and encouragement to believers.
1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 (CSB)
“But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,”
To lead a quiet life and mind our own business seems mundane, Paul. How do we bring the gospel to our neighbors and the world around us?
I think we often glamourize being a witness for Christ, instead of realizing people are always watching. They seek hope and answers, and when they see lives lived with joy, love, and peace—wow! That’s something they want to be part of.
But there’s more: “to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” Yes, that’s really important. We don’t have to look far into the political landscape or news cycle to see the challenges caused by those not working. Paul made a strong point throughout his ministry not to burden the churches he helped, working with his own hands to provide for much of his ministry. He did this as an example, even while teaching, discipling, and training others.
The testimony of providing for our families is a great witness to those around us.
1 Thessalonians 4:12 (CSB)
“so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.”
Look at that. Paul commanded them to work with their own hands for their testimony before outsiders (non-believers). He emphasizes “not be dependent on anyone”—a big thing. Paul isn’t unaware of those unable to work or in difficult circumstances. As believers, we help the needy, as seen from Acts 2, 4, 6 to James and 1 John. But as a rule, we should work hard, provide for our families, and not be dependent.
This brings great credibility to our faith and lives, strengthening our witness. Paul’s seriousness is clear—he left it as a command, not a suggestion.
May we seek to lead quiet lives, minding our own business, working with our hands, and not being dependent on anyone. May we represent God well in this world, and may He use even us to bring many to our great King.
