Daily Stop & Thinks

Perspective I

When things go wrong: Look at the bigger picture. (Source unknown)

Good advice! When we run into difficulties in our pursuit for success, we may be discouraged and think that it will never work out. Everything is doomed! Such a perspective looks too long and hard at the immediate, ignoring the “bigger” picture. How is this single incident related to the overall project? The wider look will help us move on from momentary failure.

You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Mark 8:33)

Keep Trying

Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th. (Julie Andrews, English actress)

The renowned inventor Thomas Edison enlarged on Andrews’ comment. He earlier had said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” If he had stopped experimenting at 9,9999 failed attempts, how much longer might it have been that the electric light or the phonograph had been invented? If you’re seeking a legitimate goal, keep working hard at it.

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. (Proverbs 24:16).

Experience II

When was the last time you did something for the first time? (Sign in a restaurant)

Actually, this is a line from a song recorded in 2017 by Darius Rucker. It’s a challenge to some of us—perhaps those in the senior citizens class—who don’t like change or trying new things. But first tries can be like opening the door to the pursuit of experiences that could become joyful and beneficial. Dare to do something for the first time and see where it will lead.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33).

Experience I

Experience is a doorway, not a final goal. (Bill Katip, college president)⁠

Sometimes when we face a trying situation, we’re tempted to give up and move on to something else. But Katip’s counsel is to look at it positively. What new way may be opening up? Or, as Pastor Mike Lee put it, “Best question to ask when something negative happens? ‘What does this experience make possible?’” Tough events can be very good learning times.⁠

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3)⁠

Circumstances

Nothing great has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe something inside them was superior to circumstances. (Bruce Barton, late American congressman)

How many times have you been overcome by the difficult circumstances of life? They cover you like a mattress, leaving you little breathing room and greatly restricted mobility. Like a mattress, if you are on top, however, circumstances can be used to good benefit. Don’t let the environment and the difficulties of life keep you from exercising your determination to move on.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Motives

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be. (Dalai Lama, Buddhist monk)

We do what we do for a variety of reasons. It may be fear that forces us to take certain actions to protect ourselves. It may be ambition that drives us to put forth extra effort to achieve our goals. Or, it might simply be that we have no choice; we are obligated to follow certain routines. But how joyful it is to act because of love, our affection and concern for others.

But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Gifts

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work. (Emile Zola, 19^th century French novelist)

We are so blessed to enjoy the giftedness of artists of all kinds. We enjoy their paintings, their literary efforts, their thespian activity, and many other talents. We sometimes speak of “hidden talents.” What a shame if we are gifted but don’t use that gift—not only for our own joy in expression but for the benefit of many who will witness the results.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10)

Worry

Worry is assuming responsibility for things that are out of our control. That’s pretty much everything. (Charles Swindoll, author)

Swindoll’s observation is not all that encouraging, is it? Do I have to live in an environment where “everything” is out of my control? No doubt, the writer doesn’t want us to become hopeless. Rather, we should be alert to what’s happening around us and respond to it with care and planning. Worry won’t help but being alert and discerning will.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life. . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (Matthew 6:25, 34)

Religion

Either our religion will transform us, or we will transform our religion to suit our sympathies. (Michael Horton, syndicated broadcaster)

For millennia men have been searching for God. They have made images from their imagination and, often, in their own image. Idols of all kinds—both material and spiritual have been created to give people a sense of proximity to their gods. What God seeks, however, is a personal relationship with men who can worship him and be the object of his gracious love.

We all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. (1 Corinthians 8:4)

Feelings

That is the way we are made: we don’t reason, where we feel; we just feel (Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court)

“Follow your heart; tell him/her how you really feel” is an oft-repeated suggestion in a Hallmark movie. That’s not a new phenomenon, as indicated by Twain’s quote. It’s because we’ve confused love with feelings, but love is far more than just the feeling when you “spoon under the moon by the lagoon in June.” Genuine love cares and supports first; feelings come later.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. . . Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:9-10)

Confidence

Arrogance is the evil twin of confidence. (Tom Avey, non-profit administrator)

Avey illustrates his principle: “Confidence listens; arrogance doesn’t. Confidence likes and seeks counsel; arrogance doesn’t. Confidence can be reproved; arrogance cannot.” Think about that awhile. When we feel too strongly about our opinions and ideas, we may become arrogant and unable to discuss issues reasonably. Has your confidence led to arrogance?

We have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. (Hebrews 7:19)

Dialogue

Dialogue… affords the opportunities to choose the best of all available options. (Musa A. Mambula, Nigerian author & speaker)

With the divisiveness that seems to have paralyzed our country, we would hope that some sort of effective dialogue could be established to work toward solutions. If concerned citizens could find common ground and stop mocking and belittling each other, perhaps sober, careful dialogue could lead to meaningful negotiation. And, prayer should precede such dialogue.

Come now and let us reason together. (Isaiah 1:18)