Daily Stop & Thinks

Religion I

Most men. . .  play at religion as they play at games, religion itself being of all games the one most universally played. (A. W. Tozer, author)

If religion (a system of beliefs) is only a game, then it probably doesn’t make much difference how we play it—seriously or just for fun. But if, as most people think, it has something to do with a person’s relationship with God, it is more than playing monopoly or baseball. If it’s not our attempt to reach God but his gracious effort to reach us, we’d better pay attention to it.

It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Truth

Correct practice flows from correct truth. (Christopher Yuan, author, seminary professor)

Yuan continues, “We’re often encouraged in our society to embrace relevance and pragmatism at the expense of truth . . . We must resist the natural impulse to disjoin (separate) practice from truth or truth from practice.” In a day when truth means different things to different people, we must stick doggedly to absolute truth as revealed in God’s creation and his Word.

Truthful words stand the test of time but lies are soon exposed. (Proverbs 12:19)

The church of the living God. . . is the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)

Do Your Best

The pursuit of perfection will ultimately limit you [and it] will cost too much. (Craig Groeschel, leadership speaker)

Excellence in your work is a worthy goal to pursue, But, as Groeschel suggests, pursuing perfection may be too costly. How? Because in trying to be perfect, we may discard anything that’s less than perfect even if it has great worth. Don’t throw away good work because it isn’t absolutely flawless. Use the results of your best efforts as you continue to pursue excellence.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Heartily

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is “extra.” (Bear Grylls, TV personality)

That’s obvious, isn’t it? But Grylls is speaking about more than spelling or word choice. To achieve more than “the ordinary,” you have to really put in some “extras”—investments of time, energy, and resources. When those “extras” may cost us more than we’re willing to spend, we settle for something less than we could otherwise achieve. What a shame!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

Listen

Everyone has something to teach you if you are willing to listen and learn. (Chikamso Efobi, British nature writer)

Sometimes we give more credence to people who have letters after their names (Ph.D, M.D, etc.) or to those whose pictures and voices are seen and heard repeatedly in the media. The person who lacks such public recognition is often ignored. Yet, common sense and wisdom are not restricted to the intellectual elite. Try to learn from every possible source.

Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. (Mark 4:24).

Words

We often use the same vocabulary but not the same dictionary. (quoted by John Stonestreet, worldview author)

Stonestreet continues, “Ideas are smuggled into our use of language all the time.” That’s the way false “isms” creep into our society. False religions may use the same terms that Christians use—even biblical terms, but when they apply different meanings to them, only confusion can result. Words are important, so be sure you understand their meaning before you speak.

Jesus: “I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! . . . Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. . . Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. (Luke 21:15, 23; John 8:47).

A Prayer Lesson

Lord, help me to not be a perfectionist…did I spell that correctly? 

This well-intentioned prayer is a contradiction in itself. How serious are we about our behavioral inconsistencies, whether they’re impatience, perfectionism, a short temper, or one of many others? Do we really want to change? Are we serious in asking for divine help? Successful prayer is accompanied by serious effort.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16b

Just Do It!

You may not do something big, but by doing something, you may make a big difference. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

Helen Keller put it this way, “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” When we look around the world—or just our own country—we may be overwhelmed with the great need and think there’s not much we can do about it. The challenge: find something you can do and just do it.

Right now, you have plenty and can help those who are in need . . . When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them . . . You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. (2 Corinthians 8:14; Romans 12:13; Mark 14:7)

Courage

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends. (J. K. Rowling, British author)

Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it’s the strength and willingness to face danger in spite of the fear. Many of us have never had to face a physical enemy, but sometimes we’ve had to confront a friend whether because of our failure or theirs. In any case, that can be a really tough situation. But good friends will try to resolve conflicts courageously.

The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. (Ecclesiastes 12:11)

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. (Proverbs 15:31)

Inheritance

No legacy is so rich as honesty. (William Shakespeare)

Financial advisors tell us that we need to plan not only for our future, but for the future of our children and heirs. What kind of legacy will we leave them? They’re usually thinking of wills, trusts, and estate-planning—all of which are important, of course. Shakespeare recognized what is even more important. What will our heirs inherit from us that will last longer than riches?

Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Being Nice

The world is filled with nice people. If you can’t find one, be one. (Nishan Panwar, writer)

When times are tough, some people find it hard to be nice. But, when things improve, and we interact with others, it can bring out the best in others. People usually respond to other people in the same way they are being treated. If you want a friend, be friendly. Be nice even to the unkind; you might be surprised how they will react.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

Love

Love is more easily demonstrated than defined. (Church sign board)

The word love is bandied around so much that it has lost much of its meaning to most people. “I love my car,” someone might say. Or, “I love ice cream!” Well, we understand what people mean by those expressions, but as my mother used to say, “You can’t love something that can’t love you back.” Love has to do with people and it’s an action word, not a mere feeling.

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:2)