Wise Words: Living a Quiet Life

At Simquily, we believe that a quiet life is not a life that is lived out of the way or in the shadows, but a life that ultimately points others to Christ. It’s a life lived by faith in Jesus Christ, in the grace of God, and in hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ. Whether we are homemakers or accountants, CEOs or nurses, teachers or engineers, whoever we may be and in whatever situations in life we find ourselves, we are called—and equipped—to live a quiet life. And while it’s simple to lead such a life, simple things are not always easy. So we turn to Scripture to discover some of God’s wise words on living a quiet life.

Live in freedom.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and so not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Until Jesus returns, this beautiful world will be scared by sin. None of us is sin free, but by the grace of God, those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have been set free from the weight of sin and death. And so we can live “quietly”—not as imperfect people trying to lead perfect lives, but as forgiven children of God leading quiet lives!

Be hearers and doers.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

In the book of James, we are faced with an important question: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (James 2:14). If we keep reading, we discover this: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (v. 17). But before we adopt a “works righteousness” attitude, we remember that we do not love others and do good works to earn favor with God or earn salvation; rather, “we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Share God’s Word boldly.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Whether sharing the life-saving Gospel message with someone fills you with joy or makes your heart rate soar and your palms sweat, rest assured that it’s not your own eloquence or inarticulateness that is responsible for bringing others to faith. Rather, it’s the Word of God that brings life and salvation to all who hear and believe. Praise God that His Word reigns supreme!

Respect God’s Word.

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, but it’s a commandment that applies to us today as well. God’s Word is sacred and is not meant to be edited as time goes on. We give thanks that God gave us His enduring Word—that no matter where or when we live, God’s Word remains constant.

Live in humility.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6–8

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of humility because even though He is fully God, He obediently took on human form to come to earth, live among sinners, suffer and die on a cross, and rise three days later—all to save humanity from the eternal separation from God and offer eternal life to all who believe in Him. Putting others above self as Jesus did is not easy, and we will fail—perhaps more often than not. And so we pray for strength to live in humility and ask for forgiveness when we fail to do so.

Pray for all people, especially our leaders.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1–2

As we approach national elections in November and the big 2020 elections next year, it’s a good reminder to not only think about the candidates we would like to vote for but also pray for the leaders who are currently serving in all aspects of our lives: our political leaders, church leaders, family leaders, community leaders, business leaders, and the list goes on. We may never agree fully with our leaders, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pray for them!

Love as Jesus loves you.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

In this verse, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. What is love? The world offers many answers to this question, but the Bible is clear: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Who is God? God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. He is just and merciful. He is fully God, yet became fully man to save the world from sin. He is the Savior of the world. He is steadfast. He is love. If we’re ever curious how to love others, all we have to do is turn to Scripture to examine who God is and how Jesus lived His life on earth.