Daily Stop & Thinks

Perfectionism can turn us into an unwitting accomplice for the status quo. (Bobby Gruenewald, pastor and innovator)

More: “Improvement is admirable. Perfection is impossible. . . . Our pursuit of an unattainable standard can keep us from getting anywhere near our goal. We end up tolerating more imperfection for far longer than if we accepted an almost-perfect solution.” In other words, it’s better to put up with less than perfect than waiting for the perfect that we may never achieve.

To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. Psalm 119:96

The more teachable we are, the more mature we will become. (David Egner, philanthropist)

Teaching is sometimes a difficult task. Either the subject is extremely difficult to understand or the classroom environment is not appropriate. Sometimes we might even think the teacher is not properly prepared. But the biggest difficulty may be that we are not teachable or we’re not good learners. The more we want to learn and prepare well to do it, the better we become.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Proverbs 1:5)

Accountability is hard. It needs to be intentional and honest, not judgmental or condemning. A true friend confronts with truth and love. (Dave Illingworth, businessman and author)

A lot is said about accountability these days, but we don’t often see it practiced very well. To be an accountable friend you need to have the other person’s best interest at heart—not just be a sounding board or a “yes man.” A good friend and partner will sometimes say things that are hard—but necessary—to hear. Not to hurt, but to help.

Speaking the truth in love . . . (Ephesians 4:15) Wounds from a friend can be trusted. (Proverbs 27:6)

Our greatest fear in life should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter. (Francis Chan, educator and author)

Most of us will go to great lengths to avoid failing. Whether it’s in our social, academic, or personal life, we want to be successful, to always win even in the lesser pursuits of life. But, as Chan suggests, perhaps the more important issue has to do with priorities. Our efforts should be toward achieving goals that have great value, not fearing failure in lesser efforts.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

We are a culture simultaneously addicted to violence yet horrified at the sight and thought of it invading our walls and worlds. (Leonard Sweet, theologian and author)

It really doesn’t take a seminary professor to note the rise of acceptable violence in our society. We see it in public protests that often turn to violent behavior. That’s deplorable, of course, but violence is not limited to unlawful activity. Sports like professional wrestling, football, and cage boxing have made violent activity part of our culture. Pray for a return to civility.

Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. (Psalm 7:9)

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. (Suzy Kassem, author and philosopher)

When you fall down, you hurry to get back up. When you fail at a task, you try again. But, if you doubt you can fulfill your aspirations, there is little you can do to achieve them. It’s not so much your self-confidence that will help you succeed, but your determination not to allow doubt and the fear of failure to stop you and your trust in the God of hope.

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. (Jeremiah 17:7) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10:35)

In other times and places heroes made history. In our time and place they make CDs and touchdowns. (Bill Brown, educator)

We do sometimes see “old-fashioned” heroes like the first-responders and volunteers at the Las Vegas shooting or military service personnel, but the word’s meaning has changed. Now, “hero” seems to apply to athletic and entertainment stars whose contributions may provide an escape from reality but don’t really result in preserving or advancing life and its values.

Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight. (1 Chronicles 19:13)

Life. You wear it well. (Clothing store sign)

Millions—probably billions—of dollars are spent every year for a new outfit to match the season or some special occasion. But, the old saying isn’t really true that “clothes make the man.” The expression of one’s face, the phrases of one’s speech, the demonstration of one’s character—those are the elements that demonstrate a life well lived.

Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. (Proverbs 7:2) I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. . . . Live as children of light (Ephesians 4:1; 5:8).

Humble people don’t think less of themselves. They just think of themselves less. (Norman Vincent Peale, American proponent of Positive Thinking)

Genuine humility is not self-effacing or being a Mr. Milquetoast, a sort of proverbial floor mat to be walked on. Like meekness, which really is restrained power, humility allows a person to see himself as he or she really is. But, he/she thinks of others more, and is concerned more for their well-being than for his or her own.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. (Romans 12:3) In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but . . . to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

The most important thing you will leave behind when you die is your legacy. (John Wooden, legendary basketball coach)

Wooden continued, “And the greatest legacy you can leave is your life, your principles and the lives you touch.” Although an acknowledged all-star coach, Wooden was known by his players as a teacher of ethics and high standards for living. They learned, as we all should, that winning games is great, but integrity and character endure much longer than won-lost statistics.

A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children. (Proverbs 13:22)

We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. (Loretta Scott)

Disasters are filling the headlines. Hurricanes, floods, forest fires, and even a deadly massacre have brought physical and emotional tragedy across our nation. The church and non-profit organizations have joined government agencies in attempts to ease the pain and suffering. We can’t help everyone, but we can at least reach out to someone suffering near us and lend a hand.

And we urge you . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

It isn’t that [men] can’t see the solution. It is that they can’t see the problem. (G. K. Chesterton, 19^th & 20^th century English writer and philosopher)

Difficulties and trials in life are often quite complex. We jump to conclusions—not only in looking for quick solutions but, more importantly, perhaps, not carefully identifying the problem. Quick and simple answers may seem to be obvious, but more careful deliberation could lead to a more reasonable and helpful resolution. Be patient, pray, seek counsel; then act.

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)