Over the past two months, I’ve been riveted by the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4. In verse 3, he says that “this is the will of God—your sanctification.” As Paul unpacks this chapter and explains the “how,” he tucks in a phrase that almost sneaks up on us:

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Wait—aren’t we supposed to set big, bold, audacious goals?

Remember BHAGs? (Big Hairy Audacious Goals.) Popularized in Built to Last and Good to Great, they represent bold, compelling targets meant to inspire progress and drive success. The message: unbridled ambition—“go big or go home.”

There’s nothing wrong with working hard or aspiring to do great things. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). But I recently read an article claiming you can’t build a successful business—or ministry—and have life balance. That phrase “no life balance” made the hair on my neck stand on end. The author mocked anyone who thought otherwise, insisting that true success requires being “on” 70–100 hours a week, days, nights, and weekends.

I guess it depends on how you define success. Jesus asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Even in ministry, we often copy this model. We’re told to “be on fire for Jesus,” to build bigger organizations, raise larger budgets, and fill more seats. After all, there’s a world to win! I understand that passion. But wasn’t it Jesus who said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18)? Our job is faithfulness and dependence on Him, not endless striving.

The word “ambition” (or “aspire”) Paul uses means to strive eagerly, to be zealous. The Greek conveys the idea of strong desire—yet directed toward a quiet life. “Aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12). That sounds almost anticlimactic, doesn’t it? When I think of ambition, I think goals, plans, and results. But Paul says our holy ambition should be peace, order, and trust.

To “live quietly” doesn’t mean apathy or isolation. It means to walk in calmness and integrity, focusing on our calling without needless strife. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). You don’t have to be loud, confrontational, or constantly in motion to honor Jesus.

A quiet life demonstrates consistency and the transforming power of God’s Word. It stands out in a noisy, anxious culture. “In quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Quietness reflects maturity—resting in God’s sovereignty instead of reacting to every challenge. It means being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19).

The call to a quiet life is not a call to isolation. Paul gave this command to a community of believers. We are still to show hospitality, care for one another, and serve faithfully—but with humility, respect, and love. There will be moments to speak boldly and act decisively, but we do so without anger or pride.

Quietness begins within. It flows from trust and dependence on God. True peace is not the absence of noise but the presence of Christ within us: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

So maybe it’s time for a new kind of BHAG—

Be Humble And Gracious.

Starting Monday I invite you to join me for a 7-Day Devotional: “Ambitious for a Quiet Life”

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