Dear Faith Family,
Over the years, we have attempted to make a big deal about the ordinariness of our faith. The ordinary places where faith takes root and bears fruit. The ordinary routines and relationships where we learn to live by faith and share that faith with others. The ordinary expressions of faith that fill a day, a week, a life.
Now, the ordinary is not an ideal our culture esteems, instead, we seemingly are always on the lookout for the extraordinary. And yet, our valuing of what we think of as normal life—life as employees, friends, neighbors, parents, children, spouses, roommates, church members, etc.—isn't something we just made up or have natural proclivities towards. Rather, it stems from Paul’s admonition to a faith family in Thessalonica whose life of faith “became an example to all the believers.” (I Thes. 1:7).
Having followed Jesus in the Holy Spirit to love one another well (I Thes. 4:9), Paul says to these faithful,
“But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do this [loving one another well] more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (I Thess. 4:10-12)
Let your love for one another multiple as you aspire--letting what you hope for be--to live quietly, not splashy or busy or frantic or clamorous, but calm, at peace in your daily doings, your normal labors, your common relationships for the sake of those around you and your freedom. This is Paul's admonition to a family of faith two millennia ago, and one which we have taken to be essential still today.
This coming Sunday, we began a dive into the depths and details of the freedom of an ordinary life in Jesus together to which we aspire. In preparation, I encourage you to do two things. First, consider your own aspirations, especially in regards to a life of faith. What are your ambitions? How does Paul's exhortation to ordinariness sit with you?
Second, read Galatians. It should only take about 20 minutes to get through the entire letter. After reading Paul's letter, spend some time meditating on the relation of the message to the Galatians, and Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians. If it helps, re-read The Orthodox Jewish Bible translation of I Thessalonians 4:10-11 which provides bit more vividness to this shaping exhortation:
"And have as your ambition to lead a quiet life of peace in the home of God, and mind your own business, and have an income, a job, working with your own hands, according to the commandments we gave you. The purpose is that the way you conduct yourself in respectful rhythm with creation, be conducted properly toward outsiders and that you might not be needy, dependent on the way of the world.”
May our ambition for a quiet life bear the fruit of freedom in Jesus!