Paul's Recipe for Success to the Thessalonians

I often think about the "recipe for success".  It is a topic that was on my mind A LOT going through school and it still is as I look for work and am planning other adventures in life.  I thought this little scripture from Paul was helpful in trying to lock down my own recipe for success:


1 Thessalonians 4:11 
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with  your own hands, as we commanded you;

I think there are THREE important points to take away from this little scripture:

1. BEING QUIET.  For me, I think that means, letting God talk to me.  Let him into my life.  Give Him enough of a gap between the business and noise in my life for Him to step in and guide me.  I desperately need to know His will for me.  But how can I expect Him to step in, if my life is to crazy?  If I am going to get His direction, I need to adjust my life and lifestyle to what works for Him.
2. Do your OWN BUSINESS.  Sometimes I get really wrapped up in what "people will think" or "if people will approve".  Sometimes worrying about what others will think will hold us back from achieving our potential and doing what God wants us to do.  However, if we DON'T pause to think, "what will GOD think of me if I do this." then we could make a seriously wrong decision.  I think that is why the first point here in BE QUIET... that way we can make sure that we are in tune and that God is on board with the decision we are making.  At that point, WHO CARES what others think?!  You know it is right, and you know that God approves.  Go for it... which leads us to our next point!
3. WORK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS.  Get after it.  Roll up your sleeves and GET TO WORK.  Nothing comes free in this life.  We have to earn it.  We have to put in the sweat, blood, and tears to fulfill our true potential.  Working hard is the secret.

SO, in summary, when we work hard doing what we know is right, because we were quiet enough to receive revelation from God, we will be successful.  So, at the start of this new year, new engagement, new job, new baby-on-board, new injury, new semester, or WHATEVER new section of life you are headed into, try to apply Paul's steps for the Thessalonians.  I think it will work!