Daily Stop & Thinks

It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth. (the Bible)

This is a paraphrase of a biblical proverb that makes a lot of sense in 21^st century life. Costs for higher education have skyrocketed at a pace exceeding normal inflation. Fewer and fewer families can afford college costs without enormous amounts of financial aid. But why pay the expense when so many don’t seem to aspire to discover and propagate truth?

Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? (Proverbs 17:16).

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. (Edith Wharton, 19th-20^th century Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist)

Where there is darkness, people of goodwill, want to bring light—whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual darkness. Sometimes, we can provide significant help with our own abilities or means, but often, we can only offer what someone else has made available to us to use. In either case, sharing light may be our most useful contribution to those in need.

You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify [God] (Matthew 5:14; 16).

Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. (Voltaire, pen name for François-Marie Arouet, 18th century French writer and philosopher)

It’s strange, isn’t it, that in a culture where individual independence is so highly valued, so much intolerance is often shown to those who offer an opinion that is contrary to the current “political correctness”? We should value our highly-thought out opinions and guard them with care, but we must learn to give others of differing opinions the same privilege.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

A thankful heart hath a continual feast. (W. J. Cameron, Canadian author)

Cameron also says, “He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire.” Why? Because, he says, “Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient.” In other words, if we take our possessions for granted, we don’t fully appreciate what we have. To do so, we must develop thankfulness.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” (Inspiration Line)

Many people value security so much that they hesitate to step outside their safety zone to try anything new or different. Yet, life itself is something of a risk. It could be dangerous to cross a busy street or to drive on a highway with speeding traffic. The far greater risk, however, is simply to do nothing, to forfeit growth and gain, trying to avoid possible harm.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget. (Source unknown)

Social media has made having friends very easy. Sadly, however, these “friends” may be more interested in themselves than in you. A good friend, however, is most often another matter: someone who will stick by you no matter what. Someone who will challenge you when necessary. Search for that kind of friend.

A friend loves at all times. . . . Wounds from a friend can be trusted. . . . The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:6, 9).

There is a fountain of youth; it is in your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. (Sophia Loren, movie actress)

Loren said, also: “When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” No matter how old you are, you have unlimited abilities in your creative mind and the natural talents you possess. Rather than being concerned about aging, we should learn to utilize the personal resources within ourselves.

Now to each one the talent given by God is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7, paraphrased).

The moment you stop learning, you stop leading.” – Rick Warren

All of life is a learning experience. Whether you’re actively pursuing studies in a formal educational setting or not, you are learning from your personal study, life experiences, and your relationships. This is especially important for leaders. You cannot lead your followers effectively if you are not continually learning.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning . . . Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9).

Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. False friends are like leaves, found everywhere. (Ari Joseph, graphic designer)

The biblical King David complained about the betrayal of a close friend. That really hurts, doesn’t it? True friends will never betray you, but they may confront you with truth that hurts. David had another friend, who faced him directly with his failures (see 2 Samuel 12), and the king repented and served his nation well, thanks to the rebuke of a true friend.

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. . . . Open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 9:8; 27:5).

Let go of the people who dull your shine, poison your spirit, and bring you drama. (Steve Maraboli, motivational speaker and author)

They are the people who may be close friends or more distant colleagues, and they may appear to be trying to help. But, their advice and influence are hindering rather than helping. Maraboli says, “Cancel your subscription to their issues.” People who advance their own causes while hindering ours should be avoided. Seek companions who graciously encourage.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. (Thomas Edison, 19^th-20^th century prolific inventor)

Probably most people would like to be thought of as a genius. Some put a lot of effort into looking for some special inspiration to get them going to create or to do something new and unusual. Edison’s experience, however, demonstrates that perseverance is key. He said it takes a thousand attempts to achieve even one success. So, let’s keep working at doing good.

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered (James 5:11).

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day. (Sally Koch, author)

A lot of people seem to be waiting for the “great opportunity” to serve, something that will make a huge change in life’s circumstances or will bring great benefit to multitudes of people. Unfortunately, most of us will not likely have such an occasion, but, as Koch points out, we all have many smaller chances to make a difference. Look for them today.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people (Galatians 6:10).