1 Thess. 4:11 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you..."
Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians to lead a quiet, humble life. If they do this, than they will win the respect of others and not be dependent on anyone. This sounds great but does not sound like Paul's life. Paul traveled the world getting involved in other peoples business preaching and speaking with his mouth, and often times was dependent on others.
I agree that oftentimes it's best to be quiet, keep to ourselves, and let our actions do the speaking. But I do believe there are times when we have to speak up. Sometimes, we have to dive into the messiness of our culture and raise a little Cain. I guess I am just torn. Part of me wants to live the quiet life, and part of me wants to dive in and change the world! This is the tension of being human. I'm sure Paul would say there is a time for each.
Dear Jesus, help me be quiet and yell at the right times. Amen.
