Daily Stop & Thinks

Enjoying the Process

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and getting it done a little less. (Anna Guindlen, writer)

A lot of us would agree with Guindlen. We are often in such a hurry to finish something that we don’t appreciate the process of doing it. Whether it’s a pain-staking project (like wood-working or writing) or a vacation trip, sometimes we just can’t wait to finish or to get there, so we miss the pleasure of the work or the trip. Slow down and enjoy the present.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. (2 Peter 3:14) 

The Power of Words

Words are like feathers. Once they fly out, it’s impossible to put them back in. (Marina Medvin, attorney)

Attorney Medvin certainly understands the value of words. A word spoken in love can be a great encouragement and motivator. Harsh and cruel words, whether intentional or not, are hurtful and damaging for a long time, perhaps never to be forgotten. The metaphor is eloquent. If we think of our words as feathers, perhaps we’ll be more careful in using them.

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Proverbs 15:28)

Pursuing Goals

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little. (Sydney Smith, English preacher)

Many tasks and aspirations seem so large that we just don’t want to pursue them because we aren’t big enough or we think we don’t have the resources, the time, or the strength for them. Such an attitude most likely means that the desired project won’t even get started, much less completed. Smith’s words are convicting. Even if it’s only a little, do it; see what can happen.

Seeing a poor widow give two small coins, Jesus said, “… this poor widow has given more than all the others . . . For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she … has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:42-44)

Temptation

Flee temptation without leaving a forwarding address. (Barbara Johnson, late literary critic)

We’ve all experienced times of temptation, when we are faced with a situation we know we should run away from. Too often we decide to hang around, thinking we can overcome the appeal of something that’s not in our best interest. We all realize that what Johnson says is good advice. Don’t hang around the places where you’re tempted to do wrong. Run away fast!

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41)

Morality and Immorality

Morality and immorality are not defined by man’s changing attitudes and social customs. (James Dobson, author)

Most of us have seen a great shift in moral principles over our lifetime. Standards that are determined by social customs will constantly change. How are morality and immorality ultimately defined? Dobson writes, “They are determined by the God of the universe.” Wouldn’t it be better to have never-ending standards of conduct and morality?

The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness (Proverbs 16:11). Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence (2 Peter 1:5).

Spiritual Development

The spiritual development of man is not a human achievement, but a work of divine grace. (Louis Berkhof, 19-20^th century American-Dutch theologian)

We may try all the self-help tips and books on spiritual development to improve our integrity and reputation, but the solution to our problem is beyond our best efforts. Although the body and the spirit are inextricably entwined, the foundational element is in the spiritual side. As it grows in understanding and wisdom, it will express meaningful life through the physical.

The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. (Proverbs 20:27)

Judgement

[There are two] Places for Pews: The Church and a Courtroom. Both make people uncomfortable and both are places where people are judged. (Dan O’Deens, overseas social worker)

Church and courtroom pews may be uncomfortable for different reasons. First, a lot of pews are hard wood, without padding, and one becomes restless sitting in them for a long time. Second, what goes on in the church or courthouse might be uncomfortable because of the conviction as a result of what happens there. Be prepared for judgment at any time.

 Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences.  (Hebrews 9:27)

Life Goes On

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on. (Robert Frost, 19^th-20^th century American poet)

We have all experienced the deep grief of losing a loved one. It seems that the pain and loss will never go away. But, we soon discover, as Frost has written, life, indeed, does go on. There are others who have experienced great success, perhaps world renown through winning a sports championship. They, too, discover that the exhilaration is short-lived, and normal life goes on.

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. (James 4:1)

Good Attitudes

The right attitude is a greenhouse for the right actions. (Keith Minier, minister)

An interesting metaphor. We think of greenhouses as places where plants are nourished, watered, and given the right temperatures for growth. Minier suggests that our minds are a lot like that. What we do and how we act is the result of what has germinated and grown in our minds. So, action begins with thinking and attitude. Be careful, then, what you think.

The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. . . . The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking. (Proverbs 15:28; 21:29)

Speaking the Truth

A “No” uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a “Yes” merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. (Mahatma Gandhi, leader of independence movement in India)

Most of us have probably not faced the kind of terrifying crisis where the wrong answer could lead to severe consequences, even death. But, haven’t we sometimes been tempted to do something similar when we give the expected answer or don’t speak up at all in order to avoid embarrassment? People of character and integrity speak the truth whatever the cost.

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. (Matthew 5:37)

Bravery

The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards. (T. H. White, British novelist)

Remember those old black-and-white western movies? The white hats always beat the black hats. Among all the frightened cowboys there was always a John Wayne, the bravest of them all, never showing fear and always winning the battle (and the belle, too). In reality, White is probably right. The brave are those who do their duty in spite of their fear.

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Common Sense

Five percent of people think; 10% of people think they think, and the other 85% would rather die than think. (Thomas Edison, inventor)

Today’s news, with its reports of bad judgment calls and evil actions, might make one wonder whatever happened to common sense. Have we lost the ability to think and reason? Or, as Edison suggests, is it just that we don’t use our brains; we live on feelings and preferences rather than sound judgment. What a shame!

Wise people think before they act (Proverbs 13:16). There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking (Proverbs 29:20)