Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Generosity

If you don’t give when you don’t have enough, you won’t give when you have more than enough because it’s a heart issue no matter how much you’ve got. (Mike Lee, pastor)

Some generous people have been described as one who “would give you the shirt off his back.” It has been observed, also, that sometimes the poorest people are the most generous. Perhaps, it’s because they understand what it is to be in need and appreciate a hand up. Lee is right on when he notes that it’s not how much you possess but the kind of heart you have.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25).

For God loves a person who gives cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Practice

The Best Teacher of the Game is to Play the Game. (Source unknown)

You can do all the classroom teaching or locker room coaching possible, but there is no better place to learn than in the midst of the activity. Any teacher will testify that he or she really began to learn their subject when they started teaching. What a great lesson for life! Prepare well but get into the action to really understand what you need to know and how to learn.

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing (Philippians 4:9).

Pleasing Others

[Stop]: trying to please everyone . . . [Stop] . . . making decisions based on what other people want. (Gene Chizik, football coach)

Those are two of the five things Chizik says “you need to stop NOW.” How many times have you been disappointed when you acted in a certain way to please someone else? Or you made a choice on the basis of what you thought other people might think you should choose? How well did that work out for you? Think carefully and stand on your own principles.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Trust

A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other. (Mike Linch, baseball coach)

We’ve been reminded again and again that there is no “I” in “team.” Yes, it’s a group, but as Linch points out, it’s a group made up of individuals who trust. Trust is a key word in team sports and in all of life’s productive relationships. Unless we have confidence in those we work/play with, there will be little of value achieved with the “team.”

Paul to the church in Corinth: “. . . I was so sure of your understanding and trust . . . (2 Corinthians 1:15).

Assumptions

We reveal our character in the assumptions we make about others. (Adam Grant, psychologist)

Grant continues, “If you think people are dishonest and selfish, you might be dishonest and selfish. Those beliefs are self-fulfilling prophecies: expect the worst in others, and you bring out the worst in them.” What if the contrary is true: expect the best of others, and you will bring out their best? Wouldn’t that be a happier way to live and enjoy other people?

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing (Proverbs 10:28)