Daily Stop & Thinks

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. (Martin Luther King, Jr, 20^th century civil rights leader)

King’s use of the word “love” certainly is not a reference to either erotic lust or mushy sentimentalism. He’s using it in the biblical sense: acting toward another in his or her best interest. If we were to treat others that way, we could, indeed, provide help to others and even change their attitudes and behavior. Discover those unlike you and seek to do them good.

Jesus: But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it. (G. K. Chesterton, 19^th & 20^th century English writer)

We believe that men and women have certain God-given rights that governments must not take away. But, as has been demonstrated too often, people sometimes assume that they can exercise that right no matter how it may affect others. As Chesterton implies, however, we should exercise our rights in the right way, never at the expense of others.

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. (Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States)

In today’s contentious, political society, we would be much happier if these words of Lincoln were remembered and practiced. He certainly faced the very thing he wrote about. He was not thought worthy of holding public office, and was often personally attacked in speeches and written comments. Contentious behavior may well destroy one’s personal integrity.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Proverbs 17:14).

Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.” (Confucius, 5^th century BC Chinese philosopher).

Many readers will immediately recognize Confucius’ statement as the other side of the coin of Jesus’ statement often referred to as the “Golden Rule.” We should probably recognize the Chinese proverb as equally important. Doing good is always right, but not doing evil is also always right. In our relationships with others we must learn both to do right and not do wrong.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right (James 2:8).

When the rate of change inside an organization is slower than the rate of change outside an organization, the end is in sight. (Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric)

That’s a good warning for any organization—whether it is a business, a non-profit, or a religious institution. In fact, it’s good counsel for individuals, too. Change is hard for a lot of people and established groups. Become satisfied with the way things are and failing to keep up with advances in science, technology, and social trends will almost certainly lead to failure.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

Courage is being obedient when you don’t feel like it. (Jill Briscoe, British American author and speaker)

Briscoe referred to a coffee mug that was inscribed with a quote from actor John Wayne, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” She also said, “Courage isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.” Note the two key words: obedient and decision. If we would always decide to obey what we know to be right, we would live lives of courage and integrity.

You will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave. … Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged (1 Chronicles 22:13).

The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. (Lou Huesmann, minister)

How do we react when political or social demonstrations break out in violence? Hatred is evident both in language and action. But what may be just as bad as the hatred is the indifference that grips many of us. We just don’t care much about it. . It’s what Huesmann calls “The Darkness of Indifference.” Such an attitude does not give much hope for the future.

“‘Now this was the sin of . . . Sodom: She . . . [was] arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; [she] did not help the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49).

Never before have we had so much access to information and so little wisdom. (James Emory White, speaker and author)

Certainly, we can all agree that there is more information available today than at any previous time in history. And the quantity of what we can know is increasing exponentially. But gaining more knowledge doesn’t necessarily make us smarter. White may have noted the reason in this observation in his blog, “The Lost Art of Independent Thinking.” Don’t just learn; think!

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults (1 Corinthians 14:20).

There was no such thing as new truth. Error might be old or new; but truth was as old as the universe. (Frederich Douglass, 19^th century social reformer)

Douglass’ statement needs to be emphasized again in our modern world: “There [is] no such thing as new truth.” Studious men and women are continuing to make new and exciting discoveries, but they are merely finding new uses or workings of already established principles of science. Recognizing the source of all truth will result in a great increase in wisdom.

Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. … Jesus: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 1:17; 14:6).

The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what he gets from it, but what he becomes by it. (John Ruskin, 19^th century English art critic)

Ruskin is probably not speaking against a fair wage or gaining a just benefit for good work and diligent service. What he has said causes us to realize that there is more to be gained by hard work than just a salary. The lessons learned from work, the experience gained, and the character that is formed are the long-lasting rewards for faithful work.

All hard work brings a profit (Proverbs 14:23). Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

Where goodness and truth exist, there you will find beauty. (Pat Sajak, TV show host)

Sajak continues, “Our purpose is to seek truth in order to discover and to act on what is good and beautiful in this life.” He also quotes the website of Hillsdale College: “The good of anything is found in its ability to accomplish what it was created for.” So, to say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder is too subjective. Beauty is objectively displayed in truth and goodness.

[Speak] the truth in love. . . . For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 4:15; 5:9).

Great leaders never give up. (Jim Hines, Physician and gubernatorial candidate)

Perseverance is an essential quality in the pursuit of achieving worthy goals. Wannabe leaders who give in to the pressures of politics, societal demands, or distractions most often cannot recruit others to work with them. Wanting to lead demands the perseverance that involves diligence, focus, and commitment.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7).