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PRE-INTERNET, PRE-DATA

I'm 37 years old.

I'm one of the last generations that will remember what it's like to live in a home in which it was common to not have:

  • Computers
  • Wifi
  • Smartphones

This meant that some weekends were filled with sports, birthday parties, and events in which directions were sent out on an invitation card that had been printed out at a Kinkos/FedEx.

This also meant that on weekends when events like that weren't happening you were alone with your family, your toys, and your thoughts.

It was fairly commonplace to live "under-the-radar."

Now with the arrival of computers, wifi, and smartphones everywhere - we voluntarily put our whole life "on-the-radar" for everyone to see.

Paul actually encourages against this kind of living.

1 TIMOTHY 2:2

When Paul is writing to Timothy and instructing him on life, doctrine, and worship he urges Timothy and his church to pray for everyone so that "we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Here's a simple way to break that down.

  • Paul finds it to be a great virtue to be at peace with folks (ie - don't be drama. Also see Romans 12:18)
  • Paul finds it to be of great advantage to live a quiet life (ie - don't post everything you do on social media. Also see 1 Thessalonians 4:11)
  • Paul thinks these are the two ingredients that help us to live godly lives (ie - God lives a quiet life [as much as He can]. Also see Matthew 11:29.)
  • Paul thinks these are the two ingredients that also help us to live holy lives (ie - this sets us apart from the way the rest of the world lives. Also see 1 Peter 1:15-16.)

PURSUE PEACEFUL, QUIET, GODLY, HOLY LIVING

The good news is these are things we can pursue, but things that (especially in today's culture!) are celebrated.

1. We can live peaceful lives.

  • We can choose to tame our tongue.
  • Not gossip.
  • Don't get involved in drama at work or elsewhere.

2. We can live quiet lives.

  • We can stop posting on social media (or do so rarely)
  • We can stop looking for self-promotion and instead promote others
  • We can make it home and instead of going out to noisy loud places, we can kick our feet up on the patio and enjoy the sunset

If we make some of these kinds of changes, we will slowly begin to be like God in the world.

Humble.

Gentle.

Lowly.

Holy.