Many years ago, my life was extremely busy. I committed to countless events, both Christian and secular, rarely spending time at home. My exhausting schedule left me with little time for God, though I thought my many ministries compensated for this. Outwardly, these activities seemed worthwhile, but inwardly, my life felt crowded and lacked real peace.
Last year, God allowed me to experience quietness. It’s like a long Sabbath for me. I stayed home, listened to music, read, worked, studied the Bible, shared the Gospel when possible, and chose only meaningful gatherings. Through this, I discovered true refreshment and freedom in slowing down, focusing on God, and cultivating a quiet life centered on Him.
While the world values busyness, the Bible calls us to a different path—one marked by quiet living. Paul urges believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to pursue a quiet life, encouraging us to find peace away from constant activity.
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you:.”
What does live quietly mean?
1. Live a quiet life.
Some of us want to always stay informed. To be everywhere and in every event. To be spontaneous. The danger is that we might be walking down a path that is not intended for us. We may face battles that are not meant for us. Living a quiet life does not mean isolating yourself or never participating in anything, whether in church, family, or the community.
The key is to choose which one matters and which one is a time waster and grabber. God calls us to be Christians wherever we go. Our character when we are alone reveals who we truly are. The Bible teaches that, as Christians, our duty is:
- to love and obey God above all
- to live a holy and sanctified life
- to love others
- to serve Him in whatever ministry He entrusts to us (ministry is simply serving others)
- to pray
- to attend the right church that preaches the right doctrine
- to win souls for Him
- to stand our ground rooted in Him.
The rest are just extras.
2. Mind your own business.
One thing God taught me about minding my own business is to be careful when listening to others share their stories or even asking for advice. I love giving advice, at times, unsolicited. But this can be harmful if a person is not someone who the Bible calls a “wise person.” More often than not, it leads to misunderstanding and resistance. More so, when people share stories of people you don’t even know. At times, disguised as prayers to lift them, it becomes gossip.
“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13
Gossip ends in the ears of the righteous. Never meddle in a strife that is not yours. Remember to mind our own business. The only thing that we can do is to point others to Christ. Remind them to take their concerns to God first and foremost. Even if people ask for advice, we still use the Scripture rather than expressing our opinions.
3. Work with our own hands.
If we have been given the opportunity to work, let’s work. The Bible provides numerous examples of diligence and hard work.
“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15
As early as the era of Adam, God already designed man to work and do something actively.
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Paul, despite his busyness, still found time to work, as did the other brethren in the New Testament. Unless God calls you to serve Him full-time, then be at work. It’s not to be idle and lazy, but as diligent workers of God, as He gives us the strength and power to do so.
There is genuine beauty in a slow-paced life centered on quietness and reflection. When we are not hurried, we appreciate the little things that matter and cultivate contentment, an important virtue in God’s kingdom. In this way, we approach daily living as God intended with gratitude, presence, and peace. Contentment is also a key to finding beauty in the quiet and slow-paced life.
There is peace that comes with living a quiet life. Yet remember that quietness of life starts with Jesus.
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