GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 29, 2026

Leadership

We become leaders of integrity when we learn to serve without concern for recognition. (Scott Morton, author)

Entrepreneurs who want to be leaders can be energized by a number of incentives. Some try to create a profit-making enterprise by introducing a new means of production or a unique strategy. Others may be motivated by ambition and self-promotion. Morton suggests respected leaders are more concerned about their contribution to society’s benefit than personal recognition.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Stop & Think: March 28, 2026

Leadership

Accepting the conundrum that arrogance is weakness and humility is strength builds foundations for rich leadership. (Dan Rockwell, leadership guru)

A conundrum is a puzzle, an unusual idea. Rockwell explains this one a bit: “Arrogance creates emptiness. Humility builds connections.” In modern minds, humility is often seen as a weakness. The perspective that says, “You have to stand up for yourself and not let others walk all over you,” is backwards. Actually, just the opposite is true. Be a leader whose strength is humility.

Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves (Romans 12:3).

Stop & Think: March 27, 2026

Leadership

The moment you stop learning, you stop leading. (Rick Warren, author and pastor)

All of life is a learning experience. Whether you’re actively pursuing studies in a formal educational setting or not, you are learning from your personal study, life experiences, and your relationships. This is especially important for leaders. You cannot lead your followers effectively if you are not continually learning.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning . . . Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9).

Stop & Think: March 26, 2026

Leadership

You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. (Scott Adams, cartoonist and author)

Nor do you have to be a leader to be a person of influence. Are you going through life thinking that your life makes little or no difference?  Adams also said, “… the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.”  Someone is watching you today, so make sure what they see you do and hear you say are the best kind of influence.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Stop & Think: March 25, 2026

Leadership

Readers are leaders. (Michael Hyatt, British-born actress)

Conversely, leaders are readers. Hyatt continues: “Reading makes us better thinkers, improves our people skills, and helps us master communication.” Eric Metaxas, a current author, writes, “If you want to change the world, pick up a book and read.” How can we find time to read in our busy lives? Here’s an idea: Exchange TV and social media time for reading time.

[The King] must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees (Deuteronomy 17:19).

Stop & Think: March 24, 2026

Leadership

Followers are so important that the role of leaders is to serve them. (James Emery White, TV host)

White adds, “No one can be an effective leader until they first learn how to follow.” Some people want to be leaders right away. They might take leadership training, but they’re reluctant to spend time following other leaders. Yet,  as White suggests, learning to be a good follower is essential in developing leadership skills.

Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me . . . And the Father will honor anyone who serves me (John 12:26).

Stop & Think: March 23, 2026

Leadership

The leaders who make the most progress make the fewest excuses. (Bart Blair, church planter)

Everyone—even the most effective leaders—makes mistakes from time to time. It’s how you handle those missteps that ultimately determines how successful you are. From the very beginning, we have tried to blame others for our errors (Genesis 3). Successful leaders, however, soon learn that making excuses only makes problems worse.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity (Proverbs 2:7).

Stop & Think: March 22, 2026

Leadership

Leaders aren’t people who are served but who serve the people around them. (Daniel Reinhardt, author)

A high school graduate shared a very important lesson with his classmates. It’s one that many young adults have yet to learn. Graduates today are too often focused on “what’s in it for me”—a good salary, great job benefits, and opportunities for prestige. It would be better to find a place where you can serve others and make a worthy contribution to your community.

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant . . . just as [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:26, 28).

Stop & Think: March 21, 2026

Leadership

If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you. (Anonymous)

When some people are given positions of leadership, it seems to go to their heads. They become proud, arrogant, and demanding. Everyone is expected to serve their needs and follow their directions. More effective leaders, however, have learned that they lead best by serving. Such an attitude attracts followers and encourages them to do their best in serving.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them . . . eager to serve (1 Peter 5:2).

Stop & Think: March 20, 2026

Leadership

Great leaders never give up. (Jim Hines, medical doctor)

Perseverance is an essential quality in the pursuit of achieving worthy goals. Most often, wannabe leaders who give in to the pressures of politics, societal demands, or distractions cannot recruit others to work with them. Wanting to lead demands the perseverance that involves diligence, focus, and commitment.

Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7).

Stop & Think: March 19, 2026

Leadership

I’m continually reminded that most times influence is not big and flashy. It’s not done in large gulps or in front of the masses, but in small quiet doses over long periods of time. (Suanne Camfield, church women’s leader)

We would like to think that we can have a positive influence on others, and we look for some great opportunity to make a big contribution in their lives. But, as Camfield suggests, the most frequent occasions we have to positively affect someone are usually simple, ordinary chances to encourage, motivate, or challenge a companion.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. . . . So encourage each other and give each other strength (Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Stop & Think: March 18, 2026

Leadership

Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible. (Colin Powell, late U.S. military leader and statesman)

People who lead must understand their role. Whether a business executive, a labor manager, or a teacher, leaders must appreciate their responsibility to prepare and challenge their workers or learners. Leaders are managers, of course, but successful leaders are artists, too. Their handling of programs, people, and problems demands the finest of skills.

In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:7, 8).