Daily Stop & Thinks

Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought. [Pope John Paul II]

Americans are usually quite proud of the freedoms they enjoy in this republic. Christians enjoy, as well, the freedoms offered to them in the gospel. In both cases, people sometimes abuse their liberty, thinking that they can do whatever they want to do whenever and wherever they feel like it. We would do well to heed the Pope’s reminder.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil (1 Peter 2:16).

To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Aristotle, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

That warning says a lot about today’s society, doesn’t it? People seem to be so opinionated and judgmental that almost anything you say to them will be criticized—justly or unjustly. Oh, that life were different, but it often isn’t. So, as we strive to avoid unnecessary confrontation, we must not be afraid to speak the truth always in appropriate ways.

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts (Zechariah 8:16).

[Hard work is] the price we’ll have to pay to achieve any goal. (Vince Lombardi, renowned football coach)

We used to speak about the “lazy days of summer,” but it seems that idleness has become almost endemic among certain groups of people who have not been required to earn their way. What a shame! Not only do they lose out on the personal benefits of work, but they won’t have the joy of successful achievement brought about by their own efforts.

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper (Proverbs 13:4)

Just as icebergs show only a fraction of themselves above the surface, so events are always more than they appear to be at first glance. (John R. Claypool, late theologian and author)

To spot an iceberg from the deck of an ocean liner is a frightening experience. After all, you would be seeing only a small portion of the dangerous ice floe, and you are relying on the ship’s captain to steer clear of the danger. We can’t see the future, but we must not fear it. In the end, many events will turn out to be more joyful and beneficial than harmful.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

The best prayers often have more groans than words. (John Bunyan, 17^th century English writer and preacher)

We may think that the only effective prayers are those offered in highly liturgical services with elevated prose and moving sentiment. Indeed, such prayers can be uplifting to those who hear them. But prayer is having a conversation with God. Even when we do not have the words to express our need, God understands what’s in our hearts.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26).

People willing to trade their freedom for security will receive neither. (Benjamin Franklin, patriot, inventor, author)

In our danger-ridden world, many people are so frightened that security has become the all-important issue of life. For them, the price for guaranteed safety is never too high. Had that been the attitude of America’s patriots in the late 18^th century, what do you suppose life would be like for us today? Let’s strive to be safe and to maintain our right to freedom.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

No one wants to fail, and my job was to help those around me be successful. If they were successful I would be successful. (Davis Illingworth, Jr, businessman, author)

In the self-centered attitude of so many today, personal success is their life’s goal. Too often, it’s of little concern to them how many people may be hurt or “run over” in their climb up the corporate ladder. Illingworth’s comment is a reminder of how to make both parties successful.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, 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).

Smart people always say smart things. But wise people know when to say nothing at all. (Ed Kang, author, speaker, advisor)

Words, words, words. We even have “talking heads” on the television—newscasters, talk show hosts, discussion panels. If it were only true that it was the smart people who were saying smart things. But it’s often merely the sharing of ignorance. Kang is right; how enlightening it is to hear wise people who know when to speak and when not to.

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools (Ecclesiastes 9:17).

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. (Aristotle, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

Over time our habits of work, word, and activity reveal quite clearly who we really are—or, at least what our real interests are. The more we repeatedly pursue certain activities, the more we identify with them, and they reflect our character and nature. Perhaps Aristotle was suggesting that if we want to be excellent in our endeavors, we must pursue worthy interests.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

When your organization has a spirit that prohibits failure, you kill a spirit of innovation in that organization. (Keith Minier, minister)

What would it look like in your business or organization if you could prohibit failure? We might like to think everything would always work perfectly, and success would be guaranteed. However, the employees or volunteers would likely avoid any task that they couldn’t be sure would work perfectly. It is often only through mistakes that we learn.

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw (Proverbs 24:32).

If you could kick the person most responsible for all your problems in the behind you wouldn’t be able to sit down for a long time. (J. Davis Illingworth, Sr, Presbyterian pastor)

Wow, that hurts, doesn’t it (pun intended). It’s human nature, it seems, to blame someone else for our problems. Adam and Eve did it: (“The woman … gave me some.” “The serpent deceived me.”) While many problems are beyond our control, we probably should admit that we are very likely responsible for most of them. So, let’s admit our faults and move on.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. (James 5:16).

The more I see the less I know for sure. (The late John Lennon, co-founder of the Beetles)

Many of us could say the same. Advances in technology and the discovery of both ancient and new features in our world cause us to realize that there is more and more to know but less time to comprehend it all. Lest we fall into a trap of complacency with it all and choose not to learn, we should rely on God’s divine revelation and its certainty.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19).