And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so 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.
I don’t know about you but, I for one, have an aversion to stress and turmoil. I suppose that’s why I don’t watch much television and I am more or less a homebody. I also do not like being around people who practice bad behavior or use vulgar and self aggrandizing speech. These things bother me and tend to cause me unrest with an uneasiness in my spirit. As far as I am concerned, I much prefer the type of lifestyle suggested in the verses referenced above. I like nothing more than to relax on the couch with my seven year old beagle and meditate on God’s word, hoping that God will give me a divine insight or realization about His character. I would rather commune with God than the president of the United States of America or any other world leader or celebrity. God knows me better than anyone else and He knows what’s important to me. He never disappoints. To you, this quiet lifestyle may sound like a rather boring existence. If it weren’t this way however, you would not have this devotional to read, for I would most likely be out doing Lord knows what. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul who God locked away in a prison cell so that He could have his undivided attention. I am not in prison but, I consider myself under self imposed house arrest for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I spend my time in prayer and meditation while waiting to be of service to my wife who has MS and is bedridden. I hope with all my heart that I am properly responding to God’s call in my life and that God somehow use my feeble efforts to touch the hearts and lives of others for Christ. Praise the holy name of Jesus!
In chains for the gospel of Jesus Christ,
A nobler calling I could not find.
These chains were not forged from hardened steel,
But rather from a tender love that binds.
When I think of the joy within my heart,
Even inside my prison walls.
I lift a needy hand towards heaven,
And praise my Savior in reverence and awe.
This world has nothing that compares,
O Lord of this I can attest.
When tempted by the things of the world,
I choose Your presence and house arrest.
For in Your presence I’m truly free,
And Lord my joy You must restrain.
Heap on me Your burning love,
Shorten my tether and strengthen these chains.