“make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV

Contrary to the message of the world, climbing the ladder of success or clawing for the big promotion or obsessing about the most social media followers is not the means to a life of peace, contentment, and satisfaction. There is nothing wrong with having goals dealing with career advancement or personal achievements, but an aim toward simple living and staying out of the rat race is a sure choice for fulfillment from life.

I’ve never known anyone to lay on their death bed and lament that they were never the popular kid in school or never the boss at their work or never the center of attention at any party. However, I have heard the dying say they are at peace because they lived a fulfilling life and pointed toward their simple work, loving family, and staying out of other people’s business.

If we live long enough we realize that living the fulfilling life is not about fame, wealth, or accomplishments but about peace with ourselves, with others, and with God. In the end, what really matters is being able to look back on our days with a sense of peace.