Daily Stop & Thinks

Education without values makes us into “more clever devils.” (C. S. Lewis, British university professor and author)

A current author observes, “The sciences can tell us what is, but not what should be” (Eric Metaxas). He also writes, “Science and technology can’t give us purpose, values, and real significance.” These are very important issues. Without a solid moral and ethical foundation, mere intellectual achievement may improve life’s circumstances but not its spiritual health.

Some people . . . have a form of godliness but deny its power . . . . (paraphrase of 2 Timothy 3:5, 7).

“You have such capacity to see today what is not yet reality. You ponder potential as easily as others recount what happened yesterday.”

These words were spoken by a father to his adult son, as he counseled him about his role in life. Being able to see potential in someone is a wonderful God-given capability. It enables you to be an encouragement to a person who might be struggling with his or her career choices. Perhaps, we should look more for future potential than for present success.

There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18).

He who is not angry when he has cause to be, sins. (John Chrysostom, 4th century Church Father)

We read a lot today about road rage and other incidents of excessive anger. It has invaded our political scene and just about every other phase of life. So, Chrysostom’s comment might seem a little strange to us in the 21st century. But there is such a thing as righteous anger. When we fail to respond strongly to evil, we unwittingly give it license to continue.

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (Romans 2:8).

Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.

This quote is attributed to a character in fiction or mythology, but it includes some helpful advice. Since our days are numbered, and we don’t know how many we have, today is the only day we can be sure of. Therefore, we would do well to follow this counsel: be a friendly encouragement to others through giving them our time and supportive words.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Short as life is, we make it still shorter by the careless waste of time. (Victor Hugo, 19th century poet and novelist)

Although life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent years, it is still a relatively short time. So, Hugo’s advice is sound. When there is so much to do that is worthwhile and wholesome, why should we waste so much of our available time doing nothing? We should just get up, get going, and plan our days to achieve worthy goals.

Show me, Lord . . . the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 39:4; 90:12).

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities. (Steven Covey, American educator and author)

Many people in today’s rush-rush world seem to be tied to a schedule with lots of meetings and assignments and very little free time. Such a schedule demands asking what is most important and what could be delayed or postponed? Covey suggests that’s looking at activity the wrong way. Determine what is most important first and then arrange your schedule.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33).

Love is measured by what we do, not in the results we see. (Philippe Viguier, French pastor and author)

Americans are pretty results-oriented. If we don’t see results from our efforts, we think we have failed. Can we reach out in a spirit of love (such as in the Golden Rule), attempting to help others and feel successful when our efforts are thwarted and our goals unreached? Love must be measured by our effort and intent not by the end results.

Love . . . does not boast, it is not proud. It . . . is not self-seeking. . . . [It] always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8).

There is one thing which gives radiance to everything. It is the idea of something around the corner. (G. K. Chesterton, 18th-19th century English writer, philosopher)

Life has its ups and downs for all of us. There are times when we feel really low, thinking that nothing will ever be right again. But Chesterton reminds us that there is always tomorrow, always another day for things to improve, for our circumstances to change for the better. Wait expectantly with hope that tomorrow will bring a good new beginning.

Anyone who is among the living has hope (Ecclesiastes 9:4). There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18).

Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other. (Mark Twain, humorist, author)

Everyone will agree, no doubt, that we ought always to do what is right. But, who determines right and wrong? Is there a universal standard, or is ethical behavior decided by the changing whims of society? Since we can’t seem to agree on what moral behavior is, we must discover a fixed standard of conduct. And there is one.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).

Our repeated failure to fully act as we would wish must not discourage us. It is the sincere intention that is the essential thing. (Thomas Troward, 19th-20th century English author)

Troward goes on to say, “And this [sincere intention] will in time release us from the bondage of habits which at present seem almost insuperable.” But, are “sincere intentions” enough? The old proverb says, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” We should persist with our good objectives but adjust them as needed and plan to cope with reality.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 15:22; 16:3)

Giving answers is easy; asking good questions is the real skill. (Neil Cole, pastor and author)

Many times, the best answer to a question is another question that clarifies the issue and helps to discover the inquirer’s perspective. Don’t be too quick to give an answer to someone who is truly seeking to learn. Help him or her to think carefully, and that can be encouraged by asking a thought-provoking question in return.

To answer before listening— that is folly and shame (Proverbs 18:13). Let your conversation be always full of grace . . . so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).

Communication. It’s the first thing we really learn in life.

It’s a line from an episode in a TV sitcom, but it’s worth thinking about. We’ve learned over the years to communicate in a variety of ways: words, gestures, facial expressions, and more. Sometimes, it’s just the lack of communication altogether? At other times, it’s a poor choice of words or expressions. In any case, we must be careful to communicate clearly.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up . . . that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).