All healthy relationships involve careful listening. (André Neher, 20th century Jewish scholar and philosopher).
Ernest Hemingway, 20th century novelist, gave similar counsel: “When people talk, listen completely.” Neher’s goes on to say that good relationships depend on two –way communication. Many of us speak well but need to develop the art of careful and attentive listening.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19).
Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving. (Albert Einstein, master scientist)
Life is often very complicated. Sometimes, the ride may be so difficult that we want to get off the merry-go-round and just stop for a while. Einstein uses a great analogy, however, to encourage us to keep moving on. A brief rest might be necessary from time to time, but unless we get back on the bike and keep pedaling, we won’t make any progress at all.
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).
Obedience is the bridge between knowledge – and – experience. (C. Davis)
Knowledge is important, but by itself it isn’t always helpful. The Bible says that “knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1) and you may know someone who seems so proud of all they know. How you live your life will demonstrate whether your knowledge is used to good advantage. The key is obeying, following the truth you have learned.
To obey is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. (John 14:23).
The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. (Elbert Hubbard, 19th-20th century American writer, philosopher)
No one wants to make mistakes, and most of us do all we can to avoid errors whether in conduct, speech, or writing. But, mistakes do happen to everyone, and we can learn a lot by discovering and correcting our mistakes. . The only people who don’t make mistakes are those who don’t do anything. So, work hard, do you best, but don’t stop for fear of failure.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. (Anne Geddes, Australian-born photographer)
Today is Father’s Day in the USA. We hear a lot today about the absence of fathers in the home, and that, indeed, is a tragedy. But, as Geddes points out, it isn’t just the presence of a man in the house that guarantees a happy and productive family. Successful fatherhood requires loyalty, dedication, and commitment. Praise God for such men and pray for more!
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Focus on building others up and they’ll be less inclined to tear you down. (Russell L. Martin, Delaware, Ohio, county sheriff)
The media increasingly seems to tweet and broadcast jokes and aspersions that border on character assassination. Unfortunately, messages conveyed by humor often are remembered more widely and longer than the mere statement of facts. More civil and gracious speech, however, as Sheriff Martin suggests, would achieve more positive results.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
At the moment of truth, you will not rise to the level of expectation, but will fall to the level of training. (Paraphrase of Archilochus, 7th century B.C. Greek poet)
We are sometimes disappointed when events don’t turn out as expected or, worse, when people don’t live up to our (or their) expectations. In a time of crisis, it’s not what we hope for that determines the outcome; rather, it’s how well prepared we are to address the trying situation. Solid training along with faithful practice will help achieve success.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny. (Stephen Covey, educator and author)
Note the progressive order of Covey’s observation. You don’t just arrive at a destiny; it begins with an idea, a thought. It’s a process. And every one of Covey’s list is critical for achieving anything worthwhile. That’s why time and carefully directed effort are so important. Act well, develop good habits, establish high character—reach your goal!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me (Philippians 3:14).
I am not the flag: not at all. I am but its shadow. (Franklin Night Lane, 19th-20th century politician)
Today is Flag Day in the United States. While some people disrespect the flag today, Lane held it in high esteem, apparently very proud to represent the flag. It’s not the fabric with stars and stripes, of course, but what the banner represents: the nation’s unity and freedom achieved at high cost. The flag is a symbol worth acknowledging with respect.
Righteousness exalts a nation. . . . Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. . . . “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Proverbs 14:34; 33:12; 46:10)
To lead with integrity means we practice what we preach. (Scott Morton, management theorist)
Occasionally, we’re tempted to say, “Don’t do what I do, do what I say,” because we realize that we’re not setting a good example for others to follow. Whether it’s in a family, a social venue, or a workplace, our word needs to true if we are to be a successful leader. What we do often speaks so loud, people may not be able to hear what we say. Lead with integrity.
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity (Titus 2:7).
Love works, but you have to work at it. (Carey Nieuwhof, leadership mentor and author)
In spring, love is always in the air, but often it’s just a romantic, momentary, passing fancy. True love is an action; it’s acting toward another in his or her best interest because of the value you place on them. Lasting relationships will certainly involve deep emotion, but they will require constant attention and energy. It’s well worth the effort, of course.
Love is patient . . . Love never fails . . . these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:4, 8, 13).
Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. (Timothy Keller, popular preacher and writer)
We are often distressed by the degradation of modern society as reflected in coarse language, suggestive media productions, political intrigue, not to mention violence. A return to civility must begin with repentance and transformation of heart and soul. Even where a better level of integrity exists, there is room for introspection and improvement.
Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Live in harmony with one another. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:16, 18).