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Coming Up Higher

Andrea Lende • October 26, 2022

I Thessalonians 4:10-11

Coming up Higher


You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Coming-Up-Higher-e1pq2t1


I Thessalonians 4:10-11


But we beseech and earnestly exhort you, brethren, that you excel [in this matter] more and more,


To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you.



The apostle Paul had just complimented the Philippians for the love they had for one another.


And then he brought up several matters to encourage them to come up higher and set their minds to pursue.


First, he encouraged them to live quietly and peacefully.


I think we can all take his advice in the current condition of our world.


I wonder what would happen if everyone pursued quiet and peaceful living.


Second, he told them to mind their own affairs.


In today’s lingo, it would be something more like, mind your own business.


Paul wrote against gossip in various letters to other churches as well.


We need this reminder from time to time too.


In the Christian community, we may talk about someone and preface the conversation with, you know I love her, but….


We think that somehow when we start a conversation with love it makes it ok, but it isn’t.


I continue to learn this lesson which goes back to the second part of the Great Commandment and the Golden Rule.


Love others as you love yourself and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.


Love never desires to hurt or cause shame to our friends and loved ones, so speaking anything ill of them is the opposite of love.


Third, Paul encourages the Philippians to work so they will be respected by the outside world.


While we don’t work to be better than or show up the neighbors with our wealth, Paul encourages us to maintain a good reputation so we can share the Gospel with others and represent the Lord well.


It always amazes how the words written and spoken thousands of years ago are so applicable to us in our modern-day world.


Today I choose to ask God to help me love others more purely and work more diligently at the tasks He’s given me to do.


May you find the Lord provides all you need to do all He asks of you in love and peace.


Daily Prayer:



O Lord, thank You for Your Word that gently guides us into learning more of Your Truths. Father, continue to teach us more about You. Help us love as You love. Help us live peacefully with one another. Help us work diligently in the positions You ordain for each one of us. May You strengthen us physically and spiritually, so we can complete the tasks You provide. May Your grace cover our mistakes and mishaps today. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.


Answer: I AM with you to lead and guide you in the plan I have for you.

Response: Help us follow You, most gracious and almighty Father. In Jesus name, amen.


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