Paul and living a quiet life

[KingsGambit]

In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul says, "Make it your ambition to live a quiet life." These are tough words for modern Christians. We are taught to grow up dreaming about being anything, yet Paul here is basically saying the opposite - if we have ambitions/dreams, the dreams should be... not to have one.

That's how I used to view it. However, now as an adult, I have a more positive perspective on it. Paul is saying that my life, which is pretty mundane, working and taking care of my family... is not wasted. That this can be a noble thing.

How do we practically apply this instruction in our own culture? Or did it primarily apply to the original audience?

[Cow Poke]

I think it may have primarily applied to the original audience, as the rest of that line says "and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."

He also says in 2 Thessalonians 3:11–12: “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies."

I think it was kind of a "mind your own business" exhortation. He often mentions that thing about "working" - Gal. 6:5; Eph. 4:28; 6:5–7; Col. 3:22–24; 1 Tim. 6:1–2.

And the end of your cite is "so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need". There seems to be a "be diligent in your work so you can take care of your own families and not be a burden to others" aspect.

[Adrift]

Yeah, I think keeping in mind who he's talking to matters quite a bit. One of the largest Greek cities, with a heavy Jewish population, the Christian converts had to be wary of both Gentile and Jewish persecution. I think part of the message in accoradnce with CP's post is "Hey, don't do anything that would give Christians a bad name. Keep your head down, and be a good citizen while you keep Christ as your frontlet."

[Obsidian]

By living a quiet life, I think he just means to avoid unnecessary conflict and drama. He is telling them to live quietly by doing honest work. For comparison, here is another passage that talks about what happens to people who are idle:

1 Timothy 5:13-14
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan.