Quiet Lives?

1 THESS 4:10 But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 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.

Isn't life supposed to be simple? Why does everything have to be so complicated? Chaos, confusion, anxiety, stress and clutter often keeps us from the simple things. Some time ago I got a book called "Simplify Your Life". Well, it was really called 101 Ways to Simplify Your Life. 101 ways! Like I have time for that...I need one way! Ever wonder why we can't get the 12 Step program down to 6 steps or 3? And if God wants me to live a quiet life, how do I possibly do that?

Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know that He is God. Stillness calms the spirit and takes us to a place free from confusion and chaos. Trusting God to help in whatever way He chooses knowing that His way is better than any way I could come up with. So take a deep breath, let go and let God do His thing. Jesus made it simple. Love the Lord with all of your heart and soul and mind and strength. And then turn that love outward, "toward those who are outside". Love your neighbor as you love yourself. This sums up the way we are to live...quiet lives, minds where they belong, and our hands  and hearts working and helping others.