Aspire to Live Quietly

Aspire To Live Quietly.  Having ambition in life is generally applauded, and rightfully so, especially by dads of young adults. However, if a technical distinction persists as it seems in the biblical sense (though there is a very small sample size), then holding an aspiration is better than having an ambition. Aspiration is an aim, whereas ambition is a drive.

In truth, ambition and aspiration are morally neutral, sharing the same root in the New Testament (philotimeomai)—what matters most is the heart that steers the pursuit. Selfish ambition, however, is always immoral (eritheia), sharing a connection with greed and coveting (Psa. 119:36; 1 Thess. 2:5). To distinguish between these similar words woodenly, aspiration is a love for honor, but selfish ambition is a grab, often disguised, for unjust gain. The only four examples of pure aspiration in the Bible belong to Paul: his desire to preach in a place where Christ has not yet been preached (Rom. 15:20), to please God (2 Cor. 5:9), to pursue a quiet life (1 Thess. 4:11), and for qualified men to obey when called to serve in church leadership (1 Tim. 3:1). The only two examples of selfish ambition are supplied by James: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth … for where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14, 16).

Paul’s advice, then, to the young, isolated, persecuted congregation in Thessalonica is doubly remarkable: “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands” (1 Thess. 4:9-11). In other words, Thessalonians, you’re doing well in the most important sense, you are actively loving one another. Therefore, (1) do that and (2) keep doing that—full stop. Not, reform the city. Not, change the world. Simply love one another, which in God’s providence could very well reform the city and change the world. 

Love sounds so simple, almost naïve, but being and remaining simple is not simplistic. Simplicity is rare and powerful because the general trend in the Christian life tumbles away from simplicity toward complexity. So, Paul appropriately encourages the church to excel more and more in love. Whatever else they might do, they must love! 

Love is demonstrated in these ways: quiet living (opposite raucous or splashy), minding your own affairs (not everyone else’s business), and working with your hands (following Paul’s example of tent-making) steered toward this end, “so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (1 Thess. 4:12). Aspire to love well, live quietly, and be content with simplicity. That’s the summary of a very good life!