Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

Your Nightly Prayer

The Influence of a Quiet Life
Your Nightly Prayer for Jun 5, 2025
By Sophia Bricker

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before." -1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT

SOMETHING TO PONDER

In today’s social media saturated world, more people are striving to be famous. A recent study found that 86% of young adults in America desire to be a social media influencer. Although the reasons for this likely vary based on personalities and goals, this widespread trend shows that lots of people equate media exposure with success and significance. We have come to believe the lie that our lives matter only if we can measure them through social media likes, shares, and increasing our follower count.

Being renowned as an influencer might seem like a fun, even worthwhile, mission to young adults, but Scripture teaches us that lasting influence is found in humble places. Our names do not have to be well-known, and our faces do not have to be associated with a brand for us to impact people, or even the world. Rather, the Christlike way requires a willingness to love and live in peace with others. We can impact others when we live in quiet, everyday faithfulness – the kind that does not seek its own glory, but the glory of God.

Paul commended the Thessalonians for their brotherly love, for which they were known for loving the saints throughout Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). Yet, the Apostle continued to encourage them to excel in love and to avoid idleness that led to meddling in the affairs of others. They were to strive to live quietly and at peace with others, working to provide for their needs and the needs of others (see also 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

These seemingly simple goals of loving and working are significant and pleasing to God (1 Thessalonians 4:1). In contrast to the teaching of the world that tells us that we must assert ourselves and be well-known to make an impact, a quiet life is what influences those around us. People will witness our dedication to Christ through the way we work and interact with others (1 Thessalonians 4:12). As a result, they will be more apt to listen to our words because of the everyday faithfulness they see (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Regardless of our age, occupation, or place in the world, our lives matter. What we do with them matters. And so, we should not dismiss the power of a daily existence devoted to love–love for Christ and love for our neighbors. We might not become internet sensations, but we will shine as a light in this dark world for the glory of our Savior.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Forgive me, Lord, for assuming that seemingly small, unnoticed lives like mine do not matter on the same level as those who address large crowds and have the power to lead lives of influence and significance. You addressed the crowds during your ministry, but you also showed what it looks like to love well and to live faithfully in the mundane. You influenced others through the compassion you showed, your willingness to listen, and the time you poured into your group of close friends. May I learn from your example, Jesus, and not “despise the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10, NIV). Help me strive to live quietly and faithfully, in a way that honors You.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Someone who left an impression on your life. How did they do so, and how has that experience formed you?

2. A passage or specific example from Christ’s earthly ministry that shows the value of everyday faithfulness, even if it seems small (i.e., Luke 16:10-12).

3. A person on social media who makes a positive impact and whose work has blessed you. If you do not use social media, how about an author, musician, or artist? Does their influence in your life come only because of their follower count and fame, or do they share their lives and work in a winsome way that inspires?

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.