Daily Stop & Thinks

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. (George Washington)

Though we celebrated President’s Day a few days ago, today is the actual anniversary of Washington’s natal day. His comments range from the political to the everyday facets of life. Speaking of friendship, he further said, “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? . . . A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 20:6; 17:17)

The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it. (Elbert Hubbard, 19^th-20^th century author, publisher)

It is difficult to keep up with new technology appearing almost daily. No sooner do we get a new device or app and a new and better one is being promoted. The gadgets or ideas we once thought were impossible are being developed almost every day. In days of such swift change, we need something solid and permanent to hold onto to maintain our peace of mind.

[God] set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. (Psalm 40:2) Jesus: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. (Matthew 7:24)

Position may give you power to control, but trust will give you permission to lead. (Dave Adamson, author)

In today’s society we have seen what people with too much control have done to destroy confidence in their leadership. As Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The leader who leads in a demonstration of integrity and character will not only gain the trust of his people, but he will have their support in following him.

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward. (Proverbs 28:20)

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t. (Martin Van Buren, 8^th U.S. President)

Have you ever tried to shortcut a task or simply didn’t do it because it was too difficult? Did you then find yourself in the very worrisome place of having to explain why the results were less than satisfactory? Van Buren was right, as we all have probably discovered. It’s so much better just to give our best effort to do the job right. Whatever the result, we’ll know we did our best.

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

True discernment means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. (Sinclair Ferguson, author and preacher)

Many people today would not remember Sears and Roebuck catalogs. Most products were listed by categories: good, better, and best. The choice was up to the buyer. There’s a lot in life like that. We can settle for something that’s good, passing over options that are better. Our choices should always be for the very best we can be or do.

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

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. (Fred DeVito, physical trainer)

DeVito was probably thinking of people who want to get into better physical condition through exercise and training. But the principle can be applied to many other areas of life. Take education, for example. If learning comes easy, you may not pursue deeper concepts, because that would take some concerted effort. Are you up for a challenge today?

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)

Readers are leaders. (Breakpoint)

Reading is an essential skill for successful learning. Volumes of wisdom have been written over the centuries, but that wisdom remains hidden to those who either can’t or won’t read. Technology has sometimes hindered learning because we can access so much at lightning speed. Take time to digest the knowledge of the ages by careful reading.

Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture. (1 Timothy 4:13)

If you want to be successful, know what you’re doing, love what you’re doing, and believe in what you are doing. (Will Rogers, 20^th century humorist)

Three easy steps to success, according to Rogers. But, sometimes we may have to really work hard to figure out what it is we’re supposed to be doing. To fully understand our responsibility may not always be that simple. And sometimes, we don’t really like the task given to us. But Rogers is no doubt right; we must learn to believe our work is really worthwhile.

My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task [God] has given me. (Acts 2:24)

All we need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. (Lucy Van Pelt, “Peanuts” cartoon character.)

We all know that sweets aren’t really a substitute for love. The popular song told us that “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” So, on this Valentine’s Day, it would be good to know what love is. Lasting, God-given love is more than just romantic affection. It wants only the best benefit for the loved one.

Love . . . does not demand its own way. . . . never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. . . . Love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

If you don’t have the information you need to make wise choices, find someone who does. (Lori Hil, screenwriter)

When confronted with a number of choices, we’re often uncertain which is the best for us. Trial and error sometimes works, but more often results in disappointment. Hil’s advice is a wise way to go: ask someone who has faced similar choices or who has knowledge that may make your options clearer. Before you move, seek wise counsel from trusted friends.

The godly give good advice to their friends. . . . Those who take advice are wise. . . . Plans succeed through good counsel. (Proverbs 12:26; 13:10; 20:18)

The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships. (Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States)

Abe Lincoln, who was born on this date in 1809, is known for a lot of things, especially his honesty and persistence in learning. His writing and oratory are full of careful thought. Today’s quote, for example, while quite simple in form, is really profound. What gives life more pleasure and value than association with good friends?

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. (Proverbs 11:30)

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will. (Vernon Howard, late teacher and author)

Even if they act like it, there probably aren’t many people who really “know-it-all.” Most of us have learned that no matter how much we know there’s still a lot more to discover. Sometimes we might think we’ve “arrived” and learned enough about a particular subject. But there’s a lot we don’t know yet. So, let’s focus on learning something entirely new this year.

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)