Daily Stop & Thinks

Better Two or Three

If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together. (African proverb)

To put it another way, “When time is of the essence, fly solo.” No matter how you say it, it’s a helpful reminder, especially for those of us who tend to “run alone.” Pastor Chris Suitt makes this application: “[People] with a solid support group handle tough times a lot easier.” We need like-minded companions to help us to think properly and to make wise life choices.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Peace

You can’t create chaos in the lives of others and expect peace in yours. (Moran Richard Oliver, author and speaker)

The long, drawn-out political season has been over for a few months—or has it? We might have hoped for a season of peace and unity, but political disagreements continue to produce debate if not genuine chaos. One might wonder if the out-spoken political activists who cause distress for others have any peace within themselves. True peace is never the result of political decisions.

Jesus: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Reality

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. (Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th U.S. president)

We’ve heard it said that some people “are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.” That may describe some professing Christians, but it might be said about some astrologers, too. The point is, a truly godly person will live a life of purpose and devotion to God, aware of the world around him but, also, fully committed to knowing God and his Word.

Set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)

Judging

Never judge a stranger by his clothes. (Zachary Taylor, 12^th U.S. president)

We are prone to do that, aren’t we? We assume that a well-dressed and carefully groomed person has good social status and is prosperous. On the other hand, someone dressed poorly may cause us to think less highly of him or her. It reminds us of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Let’s not let first impressions cause us to make false assumptions.

If you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. (James 2:9; but read vv. 1-8 also)

Learning

A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest. (C.S. Lewis, late British scholar)

Even though Lewis wrote both children’s fiction and Christian apologetics, readers of The Chronicles of Narnia will attest to the deep philosophical and theological allusions illustrated in his stories. Likewise, the readers of Dr. Seuss’ children’s books can benefit from his good life application principles. In either case, child-like belief helps everyone learn.

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. (Luke 18:17)

Goals

All paths lead to the same goal: to convey to others what we are. (Pablo Neruda, late Chilean Nobel Prize winner in literature)

It is no doubt true that people generally want to be known for who they are rather than just what they look like or what their ethnic background is. After all, what we are is more important than what we do, because actions are the result of who we are. A far better goal, however, is to achieve recognition for what we have become rather than what we once were.

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. (Romans 8:29)

To Be Loved

I have feelings too. I am human. All I want is to be loved for myself. (Marilyn Monroe, late movie actress)

What a sad commentary from a world-famous personality. She was known, of course, for her physical beauty, and several men pursued and married her. None of those marriages lasted, because they were not based on genuine love, which is selfless, always seeking the good of the loved one. We should seek for the unloved, care for them, and introduce them to God’s love.

Sadly, while the world craves love, it too often settles for mere physical pleasure.

 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud . . .  [It] rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-7)

Wisdom

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. (Arthur Brooks, author and speaker)

Tomato is an interesting word. Is it pronounced tomAto or tomAHto? Is the plural tomato or tomatoes (either is correct, by the way). Is it fruit or vegetable? Apparently, it is a fruit, but Brooks is right. You don’t want to put it in a fruit salad, but it’s a necessity in a vegetable salad. Its usage is a small but excellent example of practical wisdom.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. (Psalm 111:10)

Hearts & Hands

Strive to be like a good watch, have busy hands, be full of good works and be clean inside. (J. Davis Illingworth, Sr., late pastor)

Wrist watches today do a lot more than just tell time. You can use them to set alarms, time your laps, count your steps, and even answer your questions. They might not even have hands, but still, they are marvels of invention and creativity. Like timepieces, we should maintain clean hearts and have busy hands in service to God and others.

I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. (Revelation 2:19)

On Time

Better three hours too soon than a minute late. (William Shakespeare)

In this quote from The Merry Wives of Windsor, we read what might seem an exaggerated note. Some people will wait three hours in line to get a good seat at a ball game or a concert, but most of us become irritated if we have to wait two minutes at a stop light. On the other hand, just a minute late can be a real problem. Good planning and early prep may help avoid either situation.

When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows. (Deuteronomy 23:21)

The Elderly

A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. (Abraham J. Heschel, 20^th century Polish-American Jewish philosopher)

Herschel continues: “It is easy to love children.  . . . But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.“ Various cultures treat the elderly in different ways. Some keep them in their enlarged homes. Others see that they are cared for in qualified retirement facilities. Such care is a significant indication of a culture’s character.

As for you, Titus, . . . Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. (Titus 2:1-3)

Character

Character is the bedrock of success, for it shapes our actions, earns us respect, and inspires others to greatness. (George Washington)

Considered the “Father of our Nation,” George Washington gave sage military and political advice as an Army General and our first president. Today, on the anniversary of his birthday we acknowledge his wisdom in the area of social and personal behavior. By personal example and public service, he demonstrated what a true gentleman and loyal citizen should be.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:11)