Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Your Name

Here’s what’s cool: Learning and using people’s names. (Warren Buffett, wealthy philanthropist)

This is no. 2 in Buffett’s list of cool things. You might wonder how this business magnate accumulated his great wealth; maybe this is one of the factors in his success. Almost everyone likes to hear his name, and when you are addressed by someone you’ve seldom met, it’s impressive to be called by name. What’s more, God knows all of his creation by name.

He counts the stars and calls them all by name (Psalm 147:4).

Love vs. Hate

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

King also said, “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” What a terrible burden it is to carry hate in your heart. It affects your relationships with almost everyone else, friend or rival, and it occupies your mind so much that you can’t think clearly or positively about others. You will find great relief when you forgive and act toward the hated one with love and care.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good (Romans 12:9).

Confrontation

Life without confrontation is directionless, aimless, passive. When unchallenged, human beings tend to drift, to wander, or to stagnate. Confrontation is a gift. (David Augsburger, author)

Do you like confrontation? Many people try to avoid it at almost any cost. But Augsburger’s comments are challenging, to say the least. Our parents confronted us when we did wrong, and their discipline not only corrected us, but it set us on the path for improvement and growth. So, when it’s necessary, we will benefit if we confront others lovingly and accept it graciously.

Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin (Leviticus 19:17).

Persistence

Failure is the path of least persistence. (Church sign board)

This simple maxim is not difficult to understand, but it could have a profound effect in helping a lazy person learn to achieve. If the lack of determination is the reason for failure, then learning to stick with a task will surely guarantee its success, won’t it? Well, perhaps it isn’t a sure-fire guarantee, but it certainly will improve your chances of accomplishing your goal.

Keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you (1 Peter 4:19)