If you wait, all you get is older. (Paraphrase of Larry McMurty)
You’re going to get older, anyhow, so don’t just wait for the unknown to happen. It’s been said that “Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them.” And Motivational writer William Arthur Ward warned: “Opportunities are like surprises. If you wait too long you miss them.”
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)
There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily. (George Washington)
What is truth? If you don’t know what it is, how can you pursue a straight course for it? Many today think that truth is relative, and whatever they think an idea means—that’s truth to them. Of course, if everyone has his own truth, there is no truth at all and there can never be any basis for agreement and work with others.
Jesus: “I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” . . . “I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 18:37; 14:6)
One person committed to a cause is far more effective than a thousand who are merely interested. (Bill Brown, worldview author)
Brown is alluding to someone who may be a lone voice proclaiming an idea they want the world to know. John the Baptist identified himself as just such a voice (John 1:23). And his message was soon joined by the disciples of Jesus who initiated the cause of Christianity. You may be a lone voice. Be sure it’s for a just cause.
And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
People don’t buy what you do; people buy why you do it. (Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker)
It’s a truism: people don’t pay as much attention to what we say as to what we do. Sinek adds another important dimension. What’s the reason for our actions and involvements? Others may question what we say and do because they don’t understand why. Our motives may be questioned, so it’s good if the reasons for our actions are pure and clearly understood.
I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives. (1 Chronicles 29:17)
Your past can’t change, but your future sure can. Remember to focus on your next step, not the last stumble. (Source unknown)
Many have commented on the three tenses of our lives. Religious leader Thomas Monson said, “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.” Actress Mary Pickford adds: “The past cannot be changed, but the future is yet in your power.” It may call for a change of habits or mindset, but make it your goal to learn, live, and prepare.
I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13)
Only those who do not desire power are fit to hold it. (Plato)
Have you noticed that often the people who are seeking positions of leadership are simply power hungry? They want to accomplish their personal goals, rather than do what would be best for those they want to lead. The goal of every leader should be to serve rather than to rule, becoming a servant leader in every area of community life.
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. (Proverbs 29:2)
Don’t follow the crowd; let the crowd follow you. (Margaret Thatcher, former British PM)
Pastor and author, Rick Warren warns: “Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.” We are swayed by the “crowd” sometimes. As children we argued with our parents, “Everybody’s doing it, why can’t I?” Even as adults, we’re often tempted to adopt the ideas of the loudest voices. How much better to have high principles and integrity and earn a leadership role.
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)
Make your life an illustration, not an argument. (Chris Tiegreen, devotional author)
Some of us like to have a good argument. The more sensitive the issue, the louder our retorts. If that’s the way we are, we may discover that our friends are beginning to leave us out of the conversation. It would be much better if we were less argumentative and more of an example of what a positive person of hope and peace could be.
Be an example . . . by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect [your] integrity and seriousness. (paraphrase of Titus 2:7)
Everybody wants to save the earth; nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes. (P J. O’Rourke, writer)
In this day of modernization, very few are “doing” dishes anymore. We just put them in the dishwasher; anybody can do it. In the “old days” a son or daughter washed and the other dried, which was a big help to an already busy mother. In addition to a nice card and flowers this year, why not find something to do that would make Mom’s day (and week) easier?
So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. (Proverbs 23:25)
A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become legal because it’s accepted by the majority. (Booker T. Washington, 19th-20th century American educator)
Common Sense is a phrase we hear a lot today. It seems that in the complicated life of the 21st century, everything is just too involved and twisted to make sense of it all. Confusing terminology and contrived jargon are just too difficult to translate into simple meaning. Stick to principles and simple communication skills to avoid confusion and to maintain reason.
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them. (Proverbs 3:21)
We can complain that rose brushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. (Abraham Lincoln)
It’s curious, isn’t it, how people see life differently? Pessimist or optimist? Happy-go-lucky or melancholy? Is our tendency to be one or the other innate or learned? Whatever the case, we can certainly improve our outlook by associating with happy, positive-minded people and intentionally looking for the bright side.
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)
Faith is like a muscle; it must be exercised to get stronger. (Billy Graham, late evangelist)
When it comes to physical strength, “no pain, no gain” is the mantra that encourages us to maintain an exercise schedule, accepting the momentary pain for the long-term benefit of the workout. In contrast, pain isn’t the result of exercising faith in the promises of God. Instead, there is spiritual growth and a joy that overflows to the benefit of those around you.
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)