If I had to choose one word to describe a lot of Christians’ lives, it would be “busy.” I may even use the word, “loud.” There seems to be a lot of activity and noise in our lives today, doesn’t there? Maybe even more than ever!
Even our spiritual lives are busy and loud. A lot of us, applaud ourselves for our Christian busyness, don’t we? I know I sure have. But as I read the Word of God, I see Him saying, “be quiet” more than He says, “be busy.” Not that we shouldn’t be active, because we should; but, even in our activity we need to, “be quiet.”
1. Quiet Faith – Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the NASB, it reads, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” Sometimes we seem to think, “If I stop now, the whole world will fall apart.” Realize you are not in control! Do what needs to be done, but trust God! Just, “be still,” be quiet, and trust Him!
2. Quiet Reflection – I have said for many years, and it seems to be getting worse, that Christians are afraid to be quiet because their minds might turn toward self-reflection. Just as I’m afraid to step on the scale, when I know I haven’t been eating right, Christians are afraid to be still and quiet because we don’t want to deal with the reality of who we have become. Let me tell you, as one who struggles with this, you will never be the man or woman you need to be until you quietly reflect on who you are right now! 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”
3. Quiet Time with God – It is great to have group Bible studies and prayer. You may be the kind of person who packs in as many Bible studies a week as you can possibly manage. But think about this for a moment, if it was important for Jesus to, “withdraw to desolate places and pray,” isn’t it just as important for you and I to do the same?! Fellowship is important and necessary for growth, but do not let it be a substitute for quiet time with God!
4. Quiet Influence – Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, saying something I’ve never heard a preacher say to a congregation today, “Aspire to live quietly (1 Thessalonians 4:11).” You will have much more influence on the world if you do it quietly, than if you stand on the street corners and scream at them! Even your spouse, is much more likely to be influenced if you do it quietly, “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives” (1 Peter 3:1). So, evangelize and teach, but strive to do it quietly.
This lesson is more for me than it is for anyone else. I need to “aspire to live quietly,” as much (or more) than anyone I know. I hope, if you also struggle with being too busy, this has been an encouragement to you.
I love you and God loves you,
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