Daily Stop & Thinks

Opinions, Part One

You can’t reason someone out of something they were never reasoned into. (Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels)

In a day when everyone seems to have an opinion on just about any subject you might discuss, it’s very difficult to dialogue with those who are not willing to consider any contrary evidence. Dale Carnegies’ statement is still true: “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” In those cases it’s probably better just to agree to disagree.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2)

Teamwork

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. (African proverb)

Impatience may be the unspecified disease of modern society. We want what we want right now! We often say, “I can’t wait for . . .” when something exciting lies in the future. Sometimes we rush into a venture alone because we don’t want to wait for someone to help. Too often, disaster is the result. We can most often accomplish more, faster, if we team up for the project.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. . . . Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12)

Labor

A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between. . . . his labor and his leisure . . .   and [He] leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both. (Excerpts from Francois-Rene Chateaubriand, French writer)

It’s something of an oxymoron. Today is celebrated as Labor Day in the U.S., yet many people are not working today. They’re pursuing leisure activities because it’s a holiday. It’s a good time, whatever we’re doing today, to reflect on the value of labor, the right and privilege to perform meaningful work to provide for our needs and for the benefit of our communities.

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor (Psalm 128:2). And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God (Ecclesiastes 3:13).

Getting Even

There’s no revenge so complete as forgiveness. (Josh Billings, 19th century American humorist)

From childhood, we tried to get back at anyone who hurt or wronged us. And, of course, when we sought revenge, getting even meant being harsher than the hurt we’d received. Truth is, that kind of behavior didn’t achieve much, did it? Have you tried forgiving your offender instead? You might find both of you will be better off.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge . . .  but love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).

Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God (Romans 12:19).

Respect

True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of acting with kindness, honor, and dignity. (Tony Dungy, author, professional athlete and coach)

In his book, Uncommon, Finding Your Path to Significance, Dungy tells of an incident when a professional athlete became irate because he was “disrespected.” Someone had dissed him, and he lost his cool. Dungy teaches that respect is not gained by fame or ability alone but by long-time consistency in admirable behavior and achievement.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

Personal Growth

One of the most important things to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are, for what you might become. (W. E. DuBois, late American sociologist)

DuBois seems to suggest that it’s possible to be so satisfied with the status quo, at least as far as you personally are concerned, that you don’t think it’s important to strive for improvement. Surely, no one seriously thinks that way, do they? None of us is perfect, and for our personal growth and for the benefit of those we influence, we ought to work toward growth.

If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. . . . Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 9:12; 12:24)

Teaching and Learning

You’re not a teacher but a facilitator of learning. (From Paul Kaak, college professor)

What is your goal when you enter the classroom or lead a small group? Is it to let them have all you know on a given subject, filling their notebooks or iPads with all the facts you can give them? Kaak implies that the “dumping” of information does not help students to learn well. Rather, the teacher must help the student discover truth in a way that will stick.

Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Give Freely

If you’re not willing to give you have no chance to receive. (Jim Pearson, writer)

Here’s Pearson’s example: “Take a quarter—put it in your hand and close it. Can someone take it?  No. Can someone give you another quarter?  No.” That’s a good illustration of stinginess. A miserly person holds on to what he has, depriving others of the benefit he could offer them. What’s more, his mindset doesn’t allow him to receive what others might offer him.

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. (Proverbs 11:24)

Growing through Trials

I believe that the roots of education can be bitter, but the fruits are surely sweet. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

One might wonder what these bitter experiences were that Aristotle had in mind. Some, especially the young, might think that going to school is really hard. But more likely, it is the difficult trials of life that the philosopher was referring to. Haven’t we all had those rough times that hurt a lot but taught us some really good lessons in life?

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

Enjoying the Process

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and getting it done a little less. (Anna Guindlen, writer)

A lot of us would agree with Guindlen. We are often in such a hurry to finish something that we don’t appreciate the process of doing it. Whether it’s a pain-staking project (like wood-working or writing) or a vacation trip, sometimes we just can’t wait to finish or to get there, so we miss the pleasure of the work or the trip. Slow down and enjoy the present.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. (2 Peter 3:14) 

The Power of Words

Words are like feathers. Once they fly out, it’s impossible to put them back in. (Marina Medvin, attorney)

Attorney Medvin certainly understands the value of words. A word spoken in love can be a great encouragement and motivator. Harsh and cruel words, whether intentional or not, are hurtful and damaging for a long time, perhaps never to be forgotten. The metaphor is eloquent. If we think of our words as feathers, perhaps we’ll be more careful in using them.

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Proverbs 15:28)

Pursuing Goals

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little. (Sydney Smith, English preacher)

Many tasks and aspirations seem so large that we just don’t want to pursue them because we aren’t big enough or we think we don’t have the resources, the time, or the strength for them. Such an attitude most likely means that the desired project won’t even get started, much less completed. Smith’s words are convicting. Even if it’s only a little, do it; see what can happen.

Seeing a poor widow give two small coins, Jesus said, “… this poor widow has given more than all the others . . . For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she … has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:42-44)