Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

Silver linings come at the cost of some very dark clouds. (Mary Carver, late TV actress)

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” they say, hoping to encourage the person who’s going through a difficult time and doesn’t see any hope. But Eugene Bengtson suggests, “If the days are darker, the light is going to be brighter.” So, if you’re going through tough times, look ahead with hope.

We who have fled to [God] for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:18-19)

Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever. (Native American proverb)

More and more is being said today about orality, the increased value of learning by hearing the spoken word, rather than traditional “book-learning.” Workers among people groups that don’t have a written language or have low literacy rates are finding that story-telling is a much more successful learning method. It works well with the more literate, too.

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field.” (Matthew 13:24)

Cultivate your own capabilities. . . . Enjoy being you! (Charles Swindoll, author)

Swindoll illustrates his point: “Rabbits don’t fly. Eagles don’t swim. Ducks look funny trying to climb. Squirrels don’t have feathers. . . . Stop comparing. There’s plenty of room in the forest.” One of life’s problems for many people is comparing themselves with others and envying some trait or ability they wished they had. But God created each us differently. Be happy about it.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. (Romans 12:6)