[11] “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, [12] that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NKJV)
Every child depends on his parents for survival. They expect them to provide everything they need. As a matter of fact, almost all children under five years old think that their parents are wealthy regardless of their living conditions. Why? Because they cannot see the reality of what their parents go through to get them what they need since their daily needs are always met. But as the same children grow, they begin to see things clearer and realise that they don’t like how their parents’ home are.
Today, many young people, especially Africans, aside from people seeing that the foundation they received at home is bad, usually face severe persecution for standing for Jesus. And because they’re still dependent on their parents or relatives for basic needs provision such as food and shelter, they feel stranded. They can’t leave home due to a lack of adequate finances to take care of themselves, but they also have challenges living with the same people who don’t understand the treasure of the gospel they have.
But I want to let you know that this kind of situation didn’t start today. It existed even in the early church days. Some believers were slaves of unbelieving masters. They got poorly treated for using even a little work time to connect to God in prayer. But for the sake of the people of God to live in peace and focus on the gospel, Paul told them that each should aspire to lead a quiet life, mind one’s own business, and work with their own hands. So that outsiders of the faith (unbelievers) won’t have anything bad to say about them. And also that they’ll not be dependent on anybody for survival.
See, deep inside every person is a craving for freedom. The unbeliever is not free because he’s at the mercy of the devil’s control. And some believers also aren’t living freely because of the pressure from unbelievers they’re living with.
Child of God, let me encourage you today. It’s God’s will for you not to be dependent on anybody. If you live alone, nobody will have control over what you use your life for as you serve Jesus. But if not, have and work on the vision to build your own home, not just to get a place to rent a room. Pay attention to who you marry, lest you end up in a miserable marital home. May God be with you and supply you with every need to live a life of focus on your divine mandate.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, provide what I need to live peacefully and focused on Your divine mandate without depending on anybody for survival. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 169
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