Practical Advice

Paul is conversing with the church in Thessalonica--just sharing some basic words of godly wisdom.  (What's in parenthesis is my own interpretation.) 

LEAD A QUIET LIFE -- (Do away with disputes and disturbances.  Try to live as peaceable as possible.  Stop the yelling and fighting.  Quit showing off.  Calm down--don't be so busy.)

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS -- (Don't be a "busybody" or a gossip!  Respect boundaries.  Don't be intrusive; respect other people's privacy.)

WORK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS--(There are daily duties, chores, and tasks--mondane things--that we are expected to attend to.)

WALK PROPERLY toward those who are outside--(We're to walk toward unbelievers.  We're not to pass them by, but we are to reach out to them in Christian love and draw them to Christ.  Christians have a "code of conduct" to uphold, which is a higher standard than the world's.)

These are not earth-shaking requests.  However, if we're not faithful in small things, how can we live a life of joy?  Let us bring some JOY TO THE WORLD, for the Lord has come!  He lives in you and me!  A cup of cool water...a cheerful phone call....a homemade dish to share at the Thanksgiving table...a heartfelt prayer....a warm hug....these are just small things we can do to demonstrate His love. 

BE A BLESSING to someone today!