Daily Stop & Thinks

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. (Author unknown)

Have you noticed that some people always walk with their head down, looking at the sidewalk rather than their surroundings? Don’t you think they’re missing a lot? That’s kinda like having a negative attitude—not just thinking everything’s a downer, but, more importantly, missing out on the good and positive things in life. We can’t ignore the bad, but let’s emphasize the good.

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 you say no to what’s right, you lose the opportunity you would have had to learn something of value by doing the right thing. (paraphrase of Mike Lee, pastor)

There are times when we face the choice of doing what is right or something we know would be wrong. The latter choice may offer the prospect of gain or notoriety, but it would cost our personal integrity and maybe our reputation. Besides, not only is it always right to do right, but failure to do so may forfeit the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right (James 2:8).

I have a lot of excitement in my life. I used to call it tension, but I feel much better now that I call it excitement. (Madeleine Costigan, event coordinator and business counselor)

Most of us avoid tension as much as possible. We don’t like to be torn between two or more options when neither is preferable. Yet, as Costigan suggests, if we look at the tension as an exciting opportunity, perhaps we will find it easier to bear. Conflict, trials, and testings can cause us to think and plan carefully, making choices that may open up exciting prospects.

You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:3-4).

All human beings are alike in seeking happiness. Where they differ is in the objects from which they seek it. (Os Guinness, English author and social critic)

“The pursuit of happiness” is one of the rights expressed in the Declaration of Independence, and, no doubt, everyone wants to be happy. But where is happiness to be found? We look for it in entertainment, amusements, sports, games, and relationships, to name a few looked-after sources. Perhaps it would be helpful to look for true happiness or joy from our Creator.

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:16). Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Never do something for someone that they can do for themselves. (Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity)

That statement has been called “The Golden Rule of Community Development.” In our time some unfortunate people have come to depend on the help of government programs or non-profit charitable organizations. That help is of great value, of course, but of greater and longer-lasting value is helping people learn to become independent and provide for themselves.

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2).

It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. (Roy Disney, late American businessman)

All of us are confronted repeatedly with the need to make decisions: what to wear, where to eat, when to schedule an appointment. But, of course there are far more important choices that we have to make from time to time. How do we make them? Disney’s suggestion is very helpful. Consider your life principles, your primary values. Choose in light of them.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1).

Flexible people never get bent out of shape. (Anonymous)

When we’re unbending in our opinions, it can really hurt to be questioned or doubted. But, Tony Robbins (an American life coach) wrote, “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. It’s a good lesson to learn. Be sure you know what you believe and stick to it, but don’t let your rigid approach to truth, curtail meaningful dialogue for learning.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2). Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. (Mahatma Gandhi, 19^th-20^th century leader of independence in India)

Some people seem to think that if you are a forgiving person, you don’t have much strength of character; you give in too easily, overlooking the fault that was done to you. Gandhi, however, experienced all kinds of opposition and antagonism, but he maintained a forgiving spirit, not out of weakness but from the strength of his convictions and inner courage.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Listen more than you talk. Learn more than you teach. Serve more than you are served. (Mitch Kruse, car collector, author, and speaker)

That’s pretty much Kruse’s definition of humility. All three characteristics are just the opposite of the inclination of many people. We really do like to talk, often not listening well to the other end of the conversation. We’d rather teach than listen to someone else instruct us. And we do like to have others serve us. If this is true of you, it will require great effort to gain real humility.

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what [God] commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility (Zephaniah 2:3).

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. (Martin Luther King, Jr, 20^th century civil rights leader)

King’s use of the word “love” certainly is not a reference to either erotic lust or mushy sentimentalism. He’s using it in the biblical sense: acting toward another in his or her best interest. If we were to treat others that way, we could, indeed, provide help to others and even change their attitudes and behavior. Discover those unlike you and seek to do them good.

Jesus: But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it. (G. K. Chesterton, 19^th & 20^th century English writer)

We believe that men and women have certain God-given rights that governments must not take away. But, as has been demonstrated too often, people sometimes assume that they can exercise that right no matter how it may affect others. As Chesterton implies, however, we should exercise our rights in the right way, never at the expense of others.

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24).

Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. (Abraham Lincoln, 16^th president of the United States)

In today’s contentious, political society, we would be much happier if these words of Lincoln were remembered and practiced. He certainly faced the very thing he wrote about. He was not thought worthy of holding public office, and was often personally attacked in speeches and written comments. Contentious behavior may well destroy one’s personal integrity.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Proverbs 17:14).