Lead a quiet life
Day 640, Wednesday, May 13
1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Chapter 4
Paul continues to speak of his longing to again see the Thessalonians in person. He commends them for their mutual love and urges that it continues.
Similar to what we read at the end of Colossians, Paul encourages the believers to live lives of self control that make a positive witness to the outside world.
Verses 4:3-6 urge self-control to avoid sexual immorality, and says that no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister—advice that, if heeded, would eliminate much of the pain and scandal that too often rocks the modern church.
Paul’s advice on making a positive impression on the surrounding world is counter to our frequent understanding of what makes for a positive witness. He writes, “Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters to [love all of God’s family] more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and 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.”
Chapter 4 ends with words about the fate of believers who had died. In the earliest Christian writings, like this one, most believers expected the return of Christ during their lifetimes, leading to concern about what would happen to the faithful who had died before that return. Paul assures them that the dead in Christ will rise first, before the taking of those who remain.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Wednesday meditation

Psalms 119:113-120
I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Prayer focus
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.