Daily Stop & Thinks

Giving

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. (N. Jackson Brown, Jr., American author)

To look at the attics, garages, and storage bins around our neighborhoods, we might think that a lot of people don’t agree with Brown’s comment. But if we were to examine the lives and attitudes of those same people, we might very well agree with Brown, as we discover that getting more doesn’t bring happiness. Real joy comes in giving to the benefit and happiness of others.

Since you excel in so many ways . . . I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7) 

Gratitude #1

Gratitude, being nearly the greatest of all human duties, is also nearly the most difficult (G. K. Chesterton, late English philosopher).

Thanksgiving Day is but three weeks away. At that time, we’ll be thinking about the things we are grateful for. If Chesterton’s observation is correct, we may have difficulty expressing our gratitude on the 25th of this month, so perhaps we should start counting our blessings today. That will give us a month-long attitude of gratitude.

What do we have that we did not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

Think about it!

. . . we are far more driven by what we desire than what we think. (John Stonestreet, worldview writer)

That statement begins with “Though we like to think of ourselves as primarily rational creatures, making decisions by carefully and objectively considering all sides, . . .” It’s the constant conflict between feelings and facts. What we want may be more important to us than what we need so we may ignore or discount reality in order to satisfy our desires. That’s not an effective way to live.

Wise people think before they act. (Proverbs 13:16)

Be Yourself

Be yourself; the right people will love the real you. (Sean Dietrich, writer)

Sometimes we seem to be so concerned about what people think of us that we actually change our behavior in order to impress them. Too often, we discover that our attempts have not really brought about the desired response. Trying to impress others isn’t really a worthy effort. If you’re living an honest life, those who are important to you will respond lovingly.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. (Galatians 6:4)

Rest

Don’t forget to enjoy what you have while you work for what you want. (Source Unknown)

Are you the kind of person who is so engrossed in your work that you don’t have any time to just enjoy life? Is your mantra, “Work and you’ll get what you need. Work harder and you’ll get what you want.” Without times of rest from work and a change of focus, you will almost certainly face burnout and the loss both of work and pleasure.

Jesus: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31)

Growth

Growth stops when you become inward focused, rather than outward focused. (Christine Caine, Australian activist)

In the “Me first” world of today, we seem to have taken the ideal of American individualism to an extreme. “I’ll do it my way” is a popular mantra for many. While such an attitude may gain some fame or fortune, it will inevitably stunt the personal growth of the individual. Putting others first not only benefits society, as a whole, it allows for personal growth and fulfillment.

There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. (Psalm 106:3) 
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Good Change

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. (Socrates, early Greek philosopher)

Why is it that we tend to do just the opposite of what Socrates noted? When we don’t like our current environment, whether political or situational, we often criticize the status quo, demean the leaders, and decry our circumstances. How much better and more helpful would it be if we spent all that energy and emotion in creating a more positive replacement of what isn’t working right?

And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. (Romans 2:29b)

New People

If you approach each new person you meet in a spirit of adventure . . .  (Eleanor Roosevelt), late U.S. First Lady)

She continued “. . .  you will find yourself endlessly fascinated by the new channels of thought and experience and personality that you encounter.” There’s nothing quite like meeting new people and discovering what you have in common and your many differences, as well. If you tend to be a loner, try stepping out of your comfort zone to meet someone new. It could be your greatest next adventure.

Jesus: “Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (John 15:15)

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. (Proverbs 11:30)

Me, a Theologian?

A theologian is not a person who has studied systematic theology but a Christian who thinks about God. (Harry Lee Poe, C. S. Lewis biographer)

Often in a serious conversation about the Bible or Christian doctrine, someone will say, “Well, I’m not a theologian, so I can’t really know much about it.” The truth of the matter is, however, that anyone who considers himself or herself religious or spiritual does have a theological perspective on life and living. We don’t need the PhDs to answer the questions. We can look to God’s Word for understanding.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Discernment

Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong, but between right and almost right. (C. H. Spurgeon, late renowned British preacher)

Do you remember your parents and teachers trying to help you understand what is right and what is wrong? Sometimes it’s easy, like telling the difference between navy blue and yellow. But sometimes discerning between right and wrong is like differentiating between two shades of a pastel color. How we need discernment today in evaluating differing ideologies with sound-alike arguments!

Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. (Hosea 14:9)

Safety

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. (Helen Keller)

It’s human nature to just avoid anything harmful as much as we can, isn’t it? Don’t stand too close to the edge of a canyon and don’t climb a ladder with broken rungs. Those are easy dangers to avoid. But if we never learn how to handle the dangers we can’t avoid, we’ll never be able to maintain a sense of security and well-being. To be safe, don’t be careless but practice caution.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3)

Do Good

Be so good they can’t ignore you. (Steve Martin, actor, writer)

Did your mom have this in mind when she reminded you to “Be good” as you left for school?  Most of our childhood friends stand out in our memories as being either troublemakers or a “goody two-shoes.” The same is true of adults. Good conduct is always worthy of note. If you want to be noticed, try being really nice and good. You will stand out from the crowd.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. (Psalm 37:3)