Daily Stop & Thinks

Getting Even

There’s no revenge so complete as forgiveness. (Josh Billings, 19th century American humorist)

From childhood, we tried to get back at anyone who hurt or wronged us. And, of course, when we sought revenge, getting even meant being harsher than the hurt we’d received. Truth is, that kind of behavior didn’t achieve much, did it? Have you tried forgiving your offender instead? You might find both of you will be better off.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge . . .  but love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).

Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God (Romans 12:19).

Respect

True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of acting with kindness, honor, and dignity. (Tony Dungy, author, professional athlete and coach)

In his book, Uncommon, Finding Your Path to Significance, Dungy tells of an incident when a professional athlete became irate because he was “disrespected.” Someone had dissed him, and he lost his cool. Dungy teaches that respect is not gained by fame or ability alone but by long-time consistency in admirable behavior and achievement.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

Personal Growth

One of the most important things to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are, for what you might become. (W. E. DuBois, late American sociologist)

DuBois seems to suggest that it’s possible to be so satisfied with the status quo, at least as far as you personally are concerned, that you don’t think it’s important to strive for improvement. Surely, no one seriously thinks that way, do they? None of us is perfect, and for our personal growth and for the benefit of those we influence, we ought to work toward growth.

If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. . . . Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Proverbs 9:12; 12:24)

Teaching and Learning

You’re not a teacher but a facilitator of learning. (From Paul Kaak, college professor)

What is your goal when you enter the classroom or lead a small group? Is it to let them have all you know on a given subject, filling their notebooks or iPads with all the facts you can give them? Kaak implies that the “dumping” of information does not help students to learn well. Rather, the teacher must help the student discover truth in a way that will stick.

Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Give Freely

If you’re not willing to give you have no chance to receive. (Jim Pearson, writer)

Here’s Pearson’s example: “Take a quarter—put it in your hand and close it. Can someone take it?  No. Can someone give you another quarter?  No.” That’s a good illustration of stinginess. A miserly person holds on to what he has, depriving others of the benefit he could offer them. What’s more, his mindset doesn’t allow him to receive what others might offer him.

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. (Proverbs 11:24)

Growing through Trials

I believe that the roots of education can be bitter, but the fruits are surely sweet. (Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher)

One might wonder what these bitter experiences were that Aristotle had in mind. Some, especially the young, might think that going to school is really hard. But more likely, it is the difficult trials of life that the philosopher was referring to. Haven’t we all had those rough times that hurt a lot but taught us some really good lessons in life?

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3)

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)