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. (1 Thess. 4:11)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
The first London marathon took place in 1981. The 26.2-mile stretch is one that sees tens of thousands of people gather each year to run, jog, or walk this great feat. What is not seen on the day of the race is the effort, time, and discipline that occurred in the life of each participant. When training for a marathon the individual will engage in practice runs where they build up the ability to push their body further; this allows for stamina to be cultivated. Particularly, for the average person training to run a marathon, it may entail many lifestyle changes. Not everyone can endure the standard of living necessary to take part.
The apostle Paul spoke of the conduct of the believer. The aspects of Christian life that Paul described are the bits that are done behind the scenes. They are the things that require determination, and which do not often deliver recognition. Indeed, it is the discipline and training that we do privately that will prove useful when dealing with all that life might throw at us. The wisdom laid out in 1 Thessalonians 4 still holds today. The way a believer lives ought to set them apart from those without the knowledge of Christ. Those who prioritize the work needed to develop a deep relationship with Christ will run the race, and they won’t lose sight of the destination.
Continue your training with the destination in mind.
Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a CBT therapist who enjoys writing. She is grateful to convey the love of God through text.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
