9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

These verses aren’t just for extroverts who are befriending everyone they meet. When Paul talked about leading a quiet life, he’s referring to those who are busybodies, people who really don’t mind their own business. Sure, busybodies is an old term but it’s useful here. The key is that whatever we do, even if it’s in a speaking capacity, our work should win others’ respect. It’s a high bar because it requires us to be on our guard and to keep in mind that others are watching us both actively and passively.

God has fashioned us for work. How we perform that work is entirely up to us, but these are great standards to set for ourselves. What one or two things could we “tweak” right now to move closer to that goal?