Daily Stop & Thinks

Circumstances do not make a man, they reveal him. (Wayne Dyer, self-help, best-selling author)

Dyer’s observation is worth thinking about. Too often we blame our failures or mistakes on “the circumstances.” Less frequently we credit our successes to “the circumstances.” In either case, outcomes are more the result of our hard work and effort or the lack of them. The circumstances merely provide opportunities to show who we really are what we value.

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

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. (Benjamin Franklin, 18^th century patriot, inventor, and writer)

Noted both for his wise counsel in political affairs and his practical wisdom as reflected in his writings, Franklin’s comment here is invaluable. Anyone who wants to enter into the political realm, the writing world, or the creative laboratory should heed his advice. We too often want to jump right into an intriguing adventure, but prior planning is essential.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

It’s a good thing to learn early that other people’s opinions do not matter unless they happen to be true. (Phyllis Bottome, 20^th century British novelist and short story writer)

How important are other people’s opinions to you? Often we seem to make choices based more on what others think than on our own ideas. The key, however, is not whose opinion we accept but whether the view we’re considering is true. Truth, after all, must not be based on mere opinion; it must be founded on objective reality.

Finally . . .  whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely . . . or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

People don’t do what you expect but what you inspect. (Louis V. Gerstner, Jr, American businessman)

Many have discovered this truth through bad experiences. We’ve asked someone to do something for us, and we expected them to do it. Asking once, however, is often not enough. We must follow up our request by checking to see if it has been done. And then, we may have to check further to see if it was done properly. Follow-through is vital for success.

Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded (Exodus 39:43).

We praise a man who feels angry on the right grounds and against the right persons and also in the right manner at the right moment and for the right length of time. (Aristotle, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

There is such a thing as “righteous indignation,” although a lot of people use that excuse when they’ve simply lost their temper over some supposed offense. Aristotle argues that proper anger has a sound basis, is targeted at the correct offender, is offered in a courteous manner, and is not prolonged. That’s quite a basis to measure our anger against, isn’t it?

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20)

Those [persons who] are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. (Plato, classical Greek philosopher)

A lot of attention is focused on politics during this election year in the U.S., and some are turned off by the demeaning dialogue that they hear and read. We may want to give up on it all, but good citizens will do their duty by examining the issues and voting their conscience. Above all, we must continually pray for government officials at every level.

 I urge . . . that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

The most worthwhile things in life often only come to flower over a long period of time. (Alistair Begg, pastor and author)

Someone else has said, “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” When we plant a seed, we’d like to see the flower or the fruit quickly. But, life isn’t that way. We need to plan well, work hard, be persistent, and live patiently and actively in anticipation of the harvest that will come and the joy it will bring.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains (James 5:7).

Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. (Marie Kondo, Japanese organizing consultant and author)

You may not be disposed to hang on to things from the past, but many are. They just can’t let go of their parents’ or even grandparents’ heirlooms. But things demand time and attention and if they’re valuable, insurance and protection. So, chose those things that mean the most to you and “discard the rest,” as Kondo suggests. You’ll enjoy the freedom.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 6:9).

Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education. (Victor Hugo, 19^th century novelist and dramatist)

Hugo certainly was not against education, however. He also said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” Formal education is important, of course, but it must include more than mere head knowledge. Practical experience, trial by error, and hands-on learning are all essential elements in developing both common sense and wisdom.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12.)

There is no future in any job. The future lies in the person who holds the job. (George Crane, columnist)

This is commencement time, and graduates are eager to find just the right job, the one that promises security and a successful future. In reality, of course, though having the job that you’re truly fitted for is important, the critical issue is the employee. The job’s success depends more on the character and persistence of the worker than the job description.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you buy what you don’t need you might have to sell what you do. (Irish proverb)

Our desire for instant gratification sometimes leads us to credit card purchases or taking out a loan to buy something. The promise of an improved model makes ours seem inferior and we hasten to replace it. Suddenly, we’ve overextend ourselves. It’s wise to stop and think before you spend what you don’t have for something you don’t really need.

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income (Ecclesiastes 5:10).