Daily Stop & Thinks

Focus on changing yourself, not on changing the world. In the end you’ll do both. (Kary Oberbrunner, author and motivational coach)

We don’t have to look far to see things that need to be changed. Poverty, crime, political unrest, world-wide turmoil—the list is endless. And a lot of us want to do something to bring about significant change. But Oberbrunner suggests a starting point: each of us as individuals. Progress begins with you and me. Is there something you should change today?

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching (Titus 2:7). If you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? (Romans 2:21)

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. (Will Rogers, 20^th century American humorist)

“Live and learn,” we’ve been told. And haven’t we all learned a lot from living? While we like to think we are making good decisions, we often fail because we didn’t plan carefully enough. That’s unfortunate, but it’s even worse if we don’t learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward with increased learning and motivation.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalm 143:10)

Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work. (Booker T. Washington, 19^th-20^th century American educator)

When you know something of the struggles that Washington had to overcome to become an admired teacher and an advisor to presidents, you can appreciate this important lesson. When things come easily to us, they are often appreciated little and do not enhance our learning. As inventor Thomas Edison said, “There is no substitute for hard work.”

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. … Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 12:14, 24)

It is better to be divided by truth than to be united by error. (Adrian Rogers, church leader)

Much has been said about the importance of unity. So much more progress can be made when we work together in community. However, as Rogers points out, there are times when unity must be sacrificed for the sake of truth. Persistence in agreement on what is untrue and wrong will bring only disaster. Success is to be gained by unity in truth.

We cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. (2 Corinthians 13:8) Carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:14)

Those who never retract their opinions love themselves more than they love the truth. (Joseph Joubert, 18^th-19^th century French essayist)

People who are stubborn about their opinions and never seem willing to consider other options are sometimes described as bull-headed. It’s not only difficult to carry on a meaningful conversation with them, but it’s virtually impossible to come to agreement on any issue. Progress is stymied by such an attitude. Seeking the truth requires open-mindedness.

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. (Proverbs 23:23)

The richest people in the world are not those who have the most but those who need the least. (Craig Groeschel, pastor)

Groeschel’s statement is contrary to almost everything the world, especially social media, would have us believe. We’re overwhelmed with voices telling us what we really need in order to be successful and happy. In reality, having less of material things is more when it comes to having peace of mind and contentment.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. (Frederick Wilcox, late British athlete)

Muhammad Ali said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Well, it is true, isn’t it, that life involves risks, whether it’s crossing the street at a busy intersection or failing to get your flu shot? On the other hand, surely we want to reduce the risk factor as much as possible. Think ahead, take precautions, prepare, and move ahead with faith.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. (1 Peter 1:13)

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. (Sally Berger, author and curator)

Inertia is a law of physics that says an item at rest tends to stay at rest until moved by an external force. A person suffering from inertia might be said just to be lazy. (Think of Garfield, the cartoon cat.) If Berger is right, maybe all it will take to get us “off our duff” is to just get up and get started on a worthy project, maybe even self-improvement.

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 12:24)

Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own. (Henri Nouwen, Dutch theologian)

“United we stand, divided we fall” is an adage that is played out the world over. Yet, nations are often divided by widely different political viewpoints. Nouwen clearly shows us what it takes to have unity; he calls it “community.” It’s a biblical principle that, if adhered to, would foster a much greater sense of camaraderie that could avert harmful interactions.

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. (Walter Winchell, late newspaper and radio columnist)

Were you ever deserted by people you thought were friends? That really hurt, didn’t it? “Fair-weather friends” stay with you when things are good, but disappear when times are tough. As Winchell says, a really good friend is one who comes to your aid and sticks with you in troubled times. Be that kind of friend.

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? . . . A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 20:6; 17:17)

I’m so sick of February. It’s the shortest month but it sure doesn’t feel that way. (Toby Flenderson, TV fictional character)

For those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, winter months can seem to drag on forever, especially in the so-called snow belt. Frigid temperatures and ice-packed roads and walks are not only dangerous; they’re really disagreeable. March may be a longer month, but at least it brings the prospect of spring. Don’t allow your circumstances determine your feelings.

 I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation. (Philippians 4:11-12)

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the commonplace simple, awesomely simple, that is creativity. (Charles Mingus, 20^th century musician)

Have you ever read an article or book and wondered why the author chose to use arcane words (like that one) when he could have chosen a simpler one (like obscure), understood by everyone? Whether it’s college professors or elementary school teachers, their students will learn more effectively (and enjoyably, no doubt), if they use simple, understandable language.

My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. (Proverbs 8:9)