Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.” (Confucius, 5^th century BC Chinese philosopher).

Many readers will immediately recognize Confucius’ statement as the other side of the coin of Jesus’ statement often referred to as the “Golden Rule.” We should probably recognize the Chinese proverb as equally important. Doing good is always right, but not doing evil is also always right. In our relationships with others we must learn both to do right and not do wrong.

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

When the rate of change inside an organization is slower than the rate of change outside an organization, the end is in sight. (Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric)

That’s a good warning for any organization—whether it is a business, a non-profit, or a religious institution. In fact, it’s good counsel for individuals, too. Change is hard for a lot of people and established groups. Become satisfied with the way things are and failing to keep up with advances in science, technology, and social trends will almost certainly lead to failure.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

Courage is being obedient when you don’t feel like it. (Jill Briscoe, British American author and speaker)

Briscoe referred to a coffee mug that was inscribed with a quote from actor John Wayne, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” She also said, “Courage isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.” Note the two key words: obedient and decision. If we would always decide to obey what we know to be right, we would live lives of courage and integrity.

You will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave. … Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged (1 Chronicles 22:13).