A couple of months ago, I came across a concept on social media that I found really interesting. Well, I would say that I didn’t immediately find it interesting, it was more of “all these social media people have come again” kind of feel. I mean, the way the concept was depicted on social media was kind of funny because why are you moving around your house in slo-mo and doing chores like you have no worries in the world? I could have easily dismissed these videos but for some reasons, I found myself thinking about it. It was while I kept thinking that I discovered the parallels that this concept shares with some principles in the scripture. I started to understand why everything about this concept struck a chord in my heart.

In case you’ve been wondering, this concept is called “SLOW LIVING.”

According to groov.com, slow living is a movement where people decide to live a more balanced and meaningful life through slowing things down and appreciating both the world around them and what they have. People who choose this lifestyle prioritize slowing things down and enjoying the present moment to the end that they can live a balanced life free from anxiety and the expectation of men. In a fast-paced world, it’s sometimes almost difficult to maintain sanity and peace of mind. I mean, there are so many things to worry about. What shall we say about the dollar that keeps rising or the fuel price that we cannot comprehend. Shall we begin to talk about the price of food or the increase in house rent?

A lot of people are on the edge and it sometimes seem impossible to not worry, so, in a bid to escape the troubles in this world, people join the slow living movement. Why? Slow living solves the anxiety problem that have plagued a lot of us. However, if we look closely at the scriptures, we already have answers on how to escape anxiety. There is no need to look into the world when we already have answers in the Word. The storm might be raging but it’s possible to stay calm in the midst of it.

Let’s dive into 1st Thessalonians 4:11

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you (KJV),

Paul was teaching the church in Thessalonica how to live an orderly life and he gave them this instruction. Brethren, the first step to living a life free of anxiety is by being content and minding your business. Your business is not just your 9-5 or your side hustle. No. It is more than that. Your business is what concerns you. It’s your purpose. Are you minding your purpose or you’re looking at the life of your neighbor and wondering why your life doesn’t look like theirs. It’s so funny that at first glance the life of others seem so attractive, it seems like your neighbor is doing better than you but what you fail to realize is that you are not your neighbor. You are unique and there is a reason for that uniqueness. You are special and there is a purpose attached to you. So, forget about how the life of this other person looks. Mind your own business and be content with it. I know someone might ask, “are you telling us to settle?” No. I’m telling you to be satisfied and trust God’s providence.

Be content with who you are and what you have.

Contentment is not complete without understanding that you are who and where you are is by the grace of God. So be mindful of where you are now, enjoy the moment, give your best in all you do and remember that the God that has brought you thus far isn’t about to stop.

While minding your business though, you must mind the one who gave it to you. This is where thanksgiving comes in. Thanksgiving takes your eyes off your deficiencies and inadequacies and helps you look at the one who is your source. Even in the most difficult times, we must give thanks. The scripture expressly says in 1st Thessalonians 5:18