“Also, make it your ambition to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to earn your living by your efforts——just as we told you. 12 Then your daily life will gain the respect of outsiders, and you will not be dependent on anyone.”
Sounds opposite of every direction we are being pulled. Yell loudly so your opinion can be heard, bilk the system because that is what the system is for, take because you are the most important person, even to the detriment of others.
As a person who sometimes breaks forth into a controlled state of rage (that verges on uncontrolled) I understand how hard it is to see those not playing by these rules and not be angry; however, we must remember we have a higher calling, one of divine inspiration by the Holy One of God, who set aside His life for this term on earth to gain what He did not need, for us who could not attain it.
Christianity is something that should recognized in a believer, not something we need to shout in someone's ear. We are those who never draw back because of difficulty, but neither do we push our way in to a discussion, and this because God has graciously, and mercifully enabled us to see the light without any justification to do so.
Be light today, not a spotlight in your face light, but path-showing, helpful light, that might stop individuals from plunging into the abyss. That's quiet help. Shining a light is pretty noiseless, but much more helpful than yelling, "Don't go that way you idiot!" And generally much more appreciated.
Pastor Brent