Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Today’s Verse:
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; ~1 Thessalonians 4:11
High school is a daunting and challenging time for students. Their lives revolve around getting excellent grades, taking as many advanced classes as possible, being involved in sports and community service, and being top-notch achievers. Top achievers know that they have to manage their time very well, stay focused, and go the extra mile where needed. They cannot afford to get involved and bogged down in another person’s affairs. Paul told the believers at Thessalonica to “study to be quiet, and to do your own business.” Let us see the importance of being an “A++ student” in our life and testimony.
We see the driven purpose.
“And that ye study to be quiet.” The word “study” used in this verse is much stronger than the idea of concentrating on learning a subject. It means to make it one’s aim to accomplish something. It means to be filled with a burning ambition for achievement and getting things done. Every Christian should be driven to be a high achiever in his faith. Our aim should be to read and thoroughly know the Word of God. We should see the end goal of the ministry that God has called us to, and how we will finish the Christian race successfully in the eyes of God. First, we should be driven to do the will of God. Second, we should be driven to help advance the cause of Christ through our local church. Third, we should be driven to raise a family that catches the same driven purpose for their lives.
We see the directed process.
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” In order for us to be high achievers, we must structure our days and our life for optimal productivity. First, we must focus on what God has called for us to do individually. There must be a plan of action that we follow. We must make sure that we are walking in the Spirit through a daily time in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with our Lord. Second, we must have a vision and goals that we strive for. There must be targets that we aim for. Third, we must be resolutely focused and not meddle in someone else’s life, successes, or failures. We are commanded “to do your own business, and to work with your own hands.” We must have a humble, yet hard-working approach towards our achievement and be quiet about it.
We see the desired product.
“That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” The best example of industriousness, accomplishment, honesty, truthfulness, and success should be the Christian. Unbelievers live in a world where dishonesty, untruthfulness, and marginal behavior is the rule. As a child of God, my testimony must be blameless and harmless, as a son of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse society. Don’t cut corners, take advantage of others, or compare yourself with someone else. Give a strong testimony of your faith in God, that God answers prayers, that God always has good in every situation, that God’s Word never fails, and that God’s presence is seen in your life. The Bible says of Barnabas that the hand of the Lord was with him. We are never lacking when God’s hand is on our life.
Strive to be an A++ Christian! Be a Christian who is high-achieving and aims to finish well.
Have an A++ God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Nehemiah 8-9
Comments