Daily Stop & Thinks

Kindness

Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers. (Kahlil Giban, late Lebanese-American writer)

It’s mid-December, so there might be snow where you are. If it’s fresh, as Giban says, it’s very likely to be beautiful. Unlike snow that may not be so pretty after a thaw, kindness always remains beautiful. Kindness is more that something nice; as Publilius Syrus, an ancient writer said, “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” Purpose to be kind today.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! (Proverbs 3:3)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. . .  And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:8)

Resilience

Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit. (Bernard Williams, late English philosopher)

During the difficult years of World War II, scientists were developing all kinds of materials that could be produced cheaply and be more resilient than those currently in use. Synthetic rubber, Dacron, nylon—all kinds of things were created that continue in use today. But yet, as Williams wrote, the human spirit is the most resilient of God’s unique creation.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:3)

Stand

If you won’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. (Quote attributed to numerous sources)

With the pressures of modern-day life, bombarded on all sides with political debates, tempting commercials, and suggestive media, it may be difficult to know when and how to stand. Are all battles worth fighting? Which arguments are so important that we should risk our reputation, maybe even our lives to stand up for? Prepare now to know when and where to stand.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14)

Commitment

Habit formation in golf [is] enhanced by solid teaching, devotion, commitment, and the encouragement of others. Make sure all these components are part of . . . your game of life. (Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong, golf writers)

Even in the early months of winter, golf is often not far from the minds of those who can’t wait until spring. As these authors suggest, there is a lot about golf that could teach us something about life. Surely, sound teaching and commitment are necessary components both of the sport and of life. Forming strong habits of devotion will certainly help you live productively.

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12)

Growing Up

As we grow up, we begin to see life in a different way. (Pastor Mike Lee)

Lee continues: “Hopefully, we’ll learn what the world is really like and move away from childhood impressions. Maturity gives us a more balanced view of life and helps us to see how we can contribute to it.” Childhood can be a lot of fun with its toys and games, fun play times, and stories that spark our imaginations. It’s a time for growing up, too.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Influence

When you are being kicked in the rear, it must mean you’re in the front. (Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, 20^th century TV spokesman)

It hurts to be criticized or have someone put you down, doesn’t it? We’d rather have a little push forward, some helpful advice, or a word of encouragement. But life isn’t always the way we’d want it to be. Perhaps the bishop’s observation will help. Maybe not everyone is for us, but just to be noticed suggests we’re having some influence in someone’s live.

Those who fear the Lord share freely. . . Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:1, 9)

Smiling

It is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. (Mother Teresa)

Christmas is still two weeks away, but Mother Teresa’s advice is good not only for the next two weeks but all year long. This special holiday brings a lot of joy to many people, but there are many others who don’t have much to look forward to, and they need someone to encourage them and lift up their spirits. Get in the habit of smiling, and you’ll bring joy to a lot of people.

When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. (Job 29:24)

Be a Helper

Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder. (Rumi, 13^th century Persian poet)

What’s common about those three words? It isn’t their particular definition but, rather, what they can be used for. Think about the influence of your life. How could you be a light to someone whose path seems so dark? Can you provide a means of rescue for someone who is drifting dangerously? How can you help someone take the next step up toward fulfillment?

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. (1 Peter 4:11)

Focus

The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus. (Bruce Lee, 20^th century actor and martial artist)

In the movies and TV stories heroes are often depicted as men or women of extraordinary strength and courage. Lee suggests, however that the real key to success in battle is focus, full attention given to the purposeful effort to overcome the enemy or the obstacle. Alexander Bell put it this way, “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand.” Good advice!

I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Why am I here?

Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle. (Lewis Carroll, 19^th century English writer)

That quote from Alice in Wonderland is more than just a fictional concern. It is one of the essential questions in life. Who am I? Why am I here? Those are existential queries that have perplexed mankind since the beginning. Late Indian leader Gandhi offered a clue: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. (Ephesians 3:7)

Inertia

The first obstacle to be overcome in any undertaking is the inertia of the people who are to perform the task. (Source unknown)

Whether it’s the production of the newest widget in the market, the painting of a masterpiece in art, or the winning of an Olympic gold medal, the first step is getting up and moving toward achieving the goal. Inertia is the first reason for the lack of accomplishment. The idea may be good, the strategy perfect, the goal in clear view, but you have to get up and get going.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:11)

Achievement

God is not going to look us over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars. (James Gribble, pioneer missionary)

We tend to evaluate people’s success by the medals won, degrees or diplomas earned, or otherwise gaining public acclaim for their achievements. They are worthy of note, of course, but a better indication of achievement might be the obstacles overcome, evidenced by the marks of struggle and difficulty. Value is increased by the cost of the achievement.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (1 John 2:16)