Leading a Quiet Life

Q: I have a question concerning 1 Thess 4:11 and also 1 Tim 2:2. In both verses, we are instructed to `lead quiet and peaceable` lives. I understand a `quiet life,` pertains to not causing social problems, I am to stay out of others` business that does not pertain to me, and I am to live peaceably externally and internally. Recently I have been offered a position to become a financial advisor. In that career I am instructed to go door to door and try to build as many clients as possible. I am to talk to them about their financial goals and help them set up a plan to reach their goals. If they say no, I am to go back several times and not take no for an answer (just like any salesman). To me, this seems like not living a quiet and peaceable life, in others business, and could cause problems to the ones I am continuing to go back and see. In the NIV version,in 1 Thess 4:11-12, it says to not be dependent on anybody. As a financial advisor I would be dependent on the customer buying a security, it would be all commission based. I am wondering if you think the text written pertains to the situation I am in. I was also wondering if you could give me some scripture to look at and meditate on that would help me understand the gift that God has given me, to help me build His kingdom and bring Glory to His name through me being a part of the church in the workplace.

A: The context of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is about fellow believers loving each other and abstaining from the activities of unbelievers like sexual immorality. As the passage concludes it talks about leading a quiet life and working with your hands so as to "win the respect of outsiders." When you are not sinning against another individual it is because you are loving them. The love we have for others does not originate solely from within ourselves. "In this love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10)." When we are resting in the love God has shown towards us, in Christ, we will not seek to obtain from others that which they cannot provide. Therefore, we will not be sinning against them. When "outsiders" see us loving on each other they will have a certain esteem and honor for us because the love we have is not something readily seen by the world. Applying this to your financial advisor position you can see how it would not be a loving act to keep bothering people who have already given you their decision. The best thing to do would be to move on to another prospect until someone is interested.

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 2:2, you have the same author, Paul, urging his readers to pray and make requests to God on behalf of "kings and all those in authority." This is understandable since it is those that are in leadership that make decisions that effect our everyday lives. We all desire that these men and women would be inclined to seek out the instruction of the Lord when making those important decisions. If they do, we can be assured that our lives would be more peaceful and quiet because there would be no conflict between serving the Lord and being a citizen of whatever state or country we live in. The desire of Paul is made clear a few verses later. "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing (1 Timothy 2:8)." When there is unity amongst leadership and the citizens there is little to no anger or disputing. One need look no further than our present political situation for an example of what it is like when you don't have people in leadership turning towards God for direction.

The scriptures you refer to could loosely be applied to your situation. I have worked in the financial industry for over 10 years. On occasion I have been asked to sell and had the opportunity to work on a commission only basis. The appeal of such an endeavor is that it offers the chance at financial freedom or, as many would say, getting paid what you're worth. Unfortunately, to make enough sales in order to make a living, or to achieve financial freedom, you have to endure being told "no" allot more than you will hear "yes." Quite a few people have walked away from these careers for that reason. Also, as you alluded to in your question, you have been asked to compromise your ethics and integrity in order to make a sale. If someone says they are not interested in a product, I would not continue to pester them about purchasing your services. At best, you may be able to get referrals from them if they know of people who may be interested in your product. My advice to you is to walk away from the career before you are faced with having to choose between engaging in unethical behavior or putting food on your table.

One thing that you should be aware of regarding advancing the Kingdom of God is that He doesn't need your ability, just your availability. Whether or not you choose to become a financial advisor doesn't determine God's ability to use you. What you need to understand is that your right standing with God is not based on anything you do for Him, but it has everything to do with what God has done for you in the Person of Jesus Christ. Much of what Christians are taught to do is geared towards pleasing God and gaining His acceptance. What I would advise you to meditate on is the fact that God is already pleased with you and has accepted you because of your faith in Christ. "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)." When you believe this truth about how God sees you everything else will fall into place. As a Christian, along with God's complete acceptance, you have total forgiveness of all your sins (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:13). You are totally loved by God (Ephesians 3:17-19; 1 John 4:19; Romans 8:35-39). You are totally righteous in God's eyes (Romans 3:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:21). You have been totally sanctified (Colossians 1:22; Hebrews 10:10). And you are justified before God (Romans 5:18; Titus 3:7). Knowing you already possess all of this from God will free you to pursue whatever career you want because you will not be concerned if your career choice will prevent you from receiving from God that which you already possess. Then you can go about the business of bearing the fruit of the Spirit God is producing through you so you can share it with those you encounter in your life.