Arrogance blocks honor either by seeking it or by rejecting it. (Dan Rockwell, fitness enthusiast)
We are often disappointed by someone who is a successful winner but who is arrogant. Pride is a strong turn off for lots of people. Rockwell also says, “Arrogance yields agonizing emptiness,” and he notes this contrast, “Humility welcomes others.” To win friends, shun pride and be humble.
Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. (Proverbs 18:12)
A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. (Garrison Keillor, American storyteller)
In most of the so-called civilized world, Christmas will be observed in just one week even by those who don’t appreciate its significance. As Keillor says, “Everyone will go through it.” But it will be just a holiday for many, including family get-togethers and gift-giving. For others, it will be the celebration of God’s entering into human experience to provide his mercy and grace.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14)
A principle is an approach you stick with even if you know it might lead to a short-term outcome you don’t prefer. (Seth Godin)
Godin continues, “If your guiding principle is to do whatever benefits you right now, you don’t have principles of much value.” In a day of swiftly changing values, it’s difficult at times to know what is right and best. Unless there is a consistent standard, no matter the immediate benefit, there will be steady decline in the worth of a product or reputation.
But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. (1 Corinthians 3:13)
We don’t see things the way they are, but the way we are. (Anaïs Nin, 20th-century French-Cuban American writer)
It’s often a question of viewpoint or perspective. We evaluate what we see and make our judgments based on our personal experience and bias. Others may see the same word or activity and make an entirely different judgment. Why is that? We must all learn the important lesson of impartiality and making sound judgments on more than mere appearances.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. (Proverbs 4:7)
One day your life will flash before your eyes; make sure it’s worth watching. (Gerard Way, American singer and songwriter)
Whether it’s true that people see their lives flash before them in moments of extreme danger, the idea is both frightening and challenging. What do you suppose you would see in those fleeting moments? Would it be fearful, or would you be glad for what you saw? In any case, now is the time to focus on living lives of such integrity that you won’t be ashamed at its final review.
. . .so that no one can criticize you, live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:15)
Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you. (Elbert Hubard, 19th-century American writer)
Friendships can be pretty fragile when there isn’t a firm commitment. Before we discard a friend because we learn something about him or her that upsets us, we should first consider how we might help rather than just give up the relationship. Helping one another builds lasting friendships that can prove invaluable to both.
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)
It takes a long time to grow an old friend. (John Leonard, late literary critic)
Long-time friends are invaluable assets to anyone who enjoys life and strong relationships. Most people have a lot of acquaintances, but the people who are most valued are those who’ve been with them through both the tough times and the high times. As Leonard suggests, you gain those valued relationships only over time.
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 17:17, 27:17)
A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself. (Author unknown)
There may come a time for some of us when we’re not doing well, and we feel like we just can’t go on. We’ve lost confidence in our abilities and don’t see much hope for the future. That’s when having a close friend is so important. Count on that friend to encourage you and give you sound counsel. Then, try to be that kind of friend to someone else.
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9)
Advent reminds us we need salvation, not savings. We need peace, not presents. (Pastor Tim Sprankle)
As we near Christmas, it’s good to remember that this is Advent season, the time to reflect on the real reason for celebrating. Gift giving is but a small reminder of God’s great and costly gift, Jesus, the God-man, who was to provide life through faith in him. Begin now to tell the story and worship the savior.
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Sincerity connects because it’s so rare. Our antenna is up and our tolerance is down. (Deeper Path Team)
We hear a lot about “fake news,” and we’ve all experienced hypocrisy in almost every area of common life. It’s unfortunate that, indeed “our antenna is up” because we too often expect deceit and falsehood. If you want to encourage honesty and sincerity in others, you must show it in your own life.
Honesty guides good people. . . The godly are directed by honesty. (Proverbs 11:3, 5)
Forgiveness is the cure when we want to take revenge. (Anonymous)
Although we often want to “get even” with someone who has wronged us, it really doesn’t help. Judith Orloff, M.D. put it this way: “Forgiveness is a paradigm-shifting solution for transforming anger. It liberates you from the trap of endless revenge so that you can experience more joy and connection.” Sounds really biblical, doesn’t it?
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. (Frances Willard, 19th-century American educator)
Like many physical realities, friction has both positive and negative outcomes. Friction between two objects can create heat, possibly resulting in unwanted fire. On the other hand, friction in your wheel drums will bring your car to its desired stop. Friction between your tires and the road provides movement. Be sure that the friction in your life leads to progress, not to danger.
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? . . . “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. (James 4:1, 6-7)