How to live a slow and quiet life

Summary

The video discusses the biblical concept of living a slow and quiet life in a fast-paced, attention-seeking culture. It references 1 Thessalonians 4:11, encouraging believers to focus on private devotion rather than public displays of faith. The speaker highlights that true Christian life is about heart posture and seeking God in secret, not through outward actions or social media influence. Examples from Jesus's life show how he avoided the crowds and focused on intimacy with God. The video encourages listeners to pursue a life that pleases God alone, resting in his guidance and grace.

Takeaways

• 📖 The Bible encourages living a quiet and slow life, as shown in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which emphasizes working with your hands and minding your own business.
• 🙏 Jesus didn't begin His public ministry until He was 30, spending time in obscurity, working with His hands and being faithful in private life.
• 📱 The first thing you reach for in the morning reflects what has your identity and focus, and often social media can take that place.
• 💼 If Satan can't make you sin, he will try to make you busy because what has your focus has your heart.
• 🛠️ Many aspire to be Christian influencers or speakers, but the script emphasizes the importance of being nameless servants behind the scenes, reflecting Christ through actions more than words.
• 💡 The motivation behind actions should be examined—doing good for public attention loses the reward from God, as shown in Matthew 6.
• 🚪 Private worship and prayer are crucial. Jesus teaches that what you do in secret, like praying and giving, is seen by God and will be rewarded.
• 🌊 Like Peter walking on water, we experience miracles when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, but lose focus when distracted by circumstances.
• 🛡️ Jesus is our Shepherd, protecting and guiding us. Psalm 23 is a reminder that we lack nothing because He leads us and renews our strength.
• 🏆 Living for an audience of one, Jesus, brings true fulfillment. Fame, likes, and social media affirmation cannot provide lasting satisfaction.

Q & A

What does the Bible say about living a quiet and slow life?

The Bible encourages living a quiet life, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which says to 'make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands.' This reflects a lifestyle of humility and simplicity, not seeking attention or validation from others.

How can living in today's busy and fast-paced society conflict with a quiet life?

Today's culture is focused on speed, constant activity, and public attention, especially through social media. This contrasts with the Bible's encouragement to live quietly, focusing on personal growth and not seeking external validation.

Why does the speaker mention the importance of what you reach for first in the morning?

The speaker emphasizes that what you first reach for in the morning often reveals where your focus and identity lie. For many, it’s their phone and social media, suggesting they find their worth in external validation rather than in God.

What example from Jesus’ life shows the value of living a quiet and simple life?

Jesus lived quietly for 30 years before beginning his public ministry. He worked with his hands and followed God's commands without seeking public attention, teaching us the power of humility and patience.

How does Matthew 6 guide Christians in practicing good deeds?

Matthew 6 teaches that good deeds should be done in private, not for public recognition. It warns against seeking approval from others, as those who do good deeds publicly for attention have already received their reward.

What is the significance of Jesus withdrawing from crowds in His ministry?

Jesus often withdrew from crowds to seek solitude and connect with God. This highlights the importance of private time with God, even in ministry, rather than being consumed by public attention.

Why does the speaker emphasize the difference between Christian influencers and Christian examples?

The speaker believes that there’s too much focus on becoming famous Christian influencers. Instead, he encourages living as Christian examples, focusing on obedience and service behind the scenes, which is more in line with biblical teachings.

How does Peter's experience walking on water relate to maintaining focus on Jesus?

Peter could walk on water as long as his focus remained on Jesus, but he began to sink when he looked at the storm around him. This demonstrates the power of keeping our focus on God rather than our circumstances.

What is the role of 'the secret place' in a Christian's life, according to the speaker?

The 'secret place' refers to private moments of prayer and connection with God. The speaker stresses that a person's true relationship with God is reflected in what they do in secret, not what is seen publicly.

What practical advice does the speaker give for living a quiet life in today's busy world?

The speaker advises retreating with God daily, focusing on reading Scripture like Psalm 23, and doing good deeds quietly. He emphasizes the importance of living for an audience of one—God—rather than for public approval or social media validation.