Daily Stop & Thinks

Relief

When things get really bad, just raise your glass and stamp your feet and do a little jig. That’s about all you can do. (Leonard Cohen, Canadian novelist and poet)

Is Cohen’s advice really helpful? Are we to deal with our concerns by ignoring them and masking them with frivolity? Surely, that’s not a happy way to live—nor will it lead to overcoming difficulties and finding success. There is a better way because we do not have to face our trials alone.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Perspective

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century poet)

This oft-quoted axiom has been argued by many thinkers. It is true that if you hold to an erroneous view, continuing to support it makes you look foolish, if not completely ignorant. On the other hand, what may appear to some to be foolish might indeed be a newly discovered truth or a new perspective on ideas that have to be looked at with openness.

You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. (Proverbs 8:5)

Confession

Here’s what’s cool: Admitting you were wrong. (Warren Buffett, wealthy philanthropist)

This is no. 6 in Buffett’s list of cool things. It may be cool, but we don’t see a lot of it. This is because it’s so hard to do. Do you remember a TV situation comedy a few years ago when the Fonz just couldn’t say, “I was w-w-r-r-ong”? It’s often pride that keeps us from admitting our errors. Yet, doing so can restore a broken relationship as well as give us a great sense of freedom.

I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. (Psalm 38:18)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:16)

More than Facts

Don’t become a mere recorder of facts, but try to penetrate the mystery of their origin. (Ivan Pavlov, 19th & 20th century Russian physiologist)

“Just give me the facts” was a frequent line in an old detective TV show. That would be important in solving a crime, but the inquisitive student who researches the beginnings of things and the intricacies of their development may discover the real significance of those facts as they relate to life. Meaningful learning must go far beyond mere knowledge of the facts.

Aspects of [God’s] deep wisdom that were hidden away, He shows in plain sight. (Job 12:22)

Work Your Dream

If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. (Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 20th century French writer)

Sounds like out-of-the-box thinking, doesn’t it? We usually begin our construction projects by developing plans, hiring the workers, and overseeing the construction. But Saint-Exupery makes a challenging point. If we want people to join us in any worthy project, we have to help them imagine the desired result, planting the seed of hope; then, they’ll be ready to work.

A dream fulfilled is a tree of life. . . It is pleasant to see dreams come true. (Proverbs 13:12, 19)

Serving & Leading

If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you. (Anonymous, quoted by Jed Record, marketing specialist)

Societal values are changing. A good work ethic was very American for most of our country’s history. But now, a lot of people seem to think that the government or someone else owes them a living. They want to have everything provided for them. Such people probably won’t learn the lessons that will equip them to be good workers, much less rise to leadership roles.

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. (Matthew 20:26)

Character

Talent without character is like a kite without a string… worthless! (Jamy Bechler, leadership trainer)

Do you remember how frustrating it was when you lost your grip on your kite string? Or when you gave the baby a balloon and he or she almost immediately let it go? Both resulted in a lot of unhappiness, didn’t they? How much more significant is the warning by Coach Bechler! No matter how high our aspirations, without integrity and good character, the outcome will be frustrating.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:11)

Human Nature

You can learn more about human nature by reading the Bible than by living in New York. (William Lyon Phelps, 19th-20th century scholar, author, critic)

With its broad spectrum of ethnic origins, levels of education, and social differences, you might think that a study of the people of New York City would render a pretty accurate description of human nature. Phelps is suggesting, however, that a better and unbiased viewpoint on the full and accurate picture of humanity is to be found in God’s own perspective, the Bible.

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants… These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. (Galatians 5:17)

Opportunity

The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. (Orison Swett Marden, 19th-20th century inspirational author)

Marden continues, “It is not in your environment, it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone.” While waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to knock on your door, you may miss many chances for advancement. Instead of looking for the “break” to come, listen to your heart’s hopes and motivations and pursue them.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone. (Galatians 6:10)

Art

It is art that makes life…makes interest…makes importance, and I know of no substitute for the force and beauty of its process. (Henry James, 19th-20th century novelist)

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, they say. Very likely, author James would say the same thing about art. How devoid of beauty and vivid expression would modern life be without paintings, sculpture, theater, and literature? Yet, there are many who do not take advantage of opportunities to enjoy such creations. What a shame! Look around and see the art in life.

Teach those who are rich in this world . . . [that] their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17).

Obedience

Most of us know what we need to know, we just have an obedience deficit. (Jeremy Wike, pastor)

Some people have learned to ignore their conscience—that “little inner voice” that brings conviction when we fail to do what we know is right. Usually, it isn’t the lack of knowledge or the uncertainty about right and wrong; more often, it’s the choice to follow our feelings and do what we want rather than what we should. Obedience may be the real key to living a happy life.

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful (Proverbs 29:18).

Change

There is nothing so stable as change. (Bob Dylan, songwriter)

It’s something we’ve heard again and again. Yet, in this fast-moving day, it seems truer than ever before. Ask any elderly person, and he or she will acknowledge that months and years are speeding more rapidly than they thought possible. Since change is inevitable, we must learn how to live with it successfully and enjoy each day to its fullest.

To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20).