Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Reputation derives its principal support from success. (George Washington, American Revolutionary War general and 1st president of the United States)

Washington’s quote must be taken in context, of course. He was likely thinking of the tremendous responsibility he carried, and if he were to lose the war, he’d lose his reputation, too. One’s failures may very well earn an undesirable reputation. So, it’s important that we pursue noble goals with consistency and integrity, thus earning an honorable name.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

A House is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body. (Benjamin Franklin, early American writer of proverbs)

A responsible parent or guardian does everything possible to provide for the health of his family by supplying their physical needs. But it takes more than physical provision to make a house a home. That happens when the hearts and minds of the family are stimulated, and emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs are met. That home is both healthy and happy.

If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8).

One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world. (Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani, youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate)

When we look at some of the problems in our world, such as illiteracy or poverty, we often hope for some kind of mega-program that will solve those issues: a massive literacy effort, a world-wide attempt at eradicating poverty. These are noble ambitions, of course, but as Yousafazai has suggested, it will more likely happen one rescued person at a time.

The one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward (Proverbs 11:18).

Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. (Andrew Jackson, 7th USA president)

Jackson played a major role at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, so his advice is worth heeding. Gathering information and making plans are essential, of course, but there comes a time when the planning must be put into action. That’s a good lesson for all of us who may hesitate to move forward into the battle.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:17).

Flattery is the worst drug of all for some people. (Dr. Henry Cloud, self-help author)

Everyone likes to hear kind things said about them. But Dr. Cloud warns: “Don’t get addicted to hearing only what you want to hear.” Flattery can be dangerous. It is excessive and insincere praise, especially when given to further one’s own interests. Beware of a person’s motive when you receive excessive praise. Be realistic about your own value.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3).

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie . . . but the myth. (John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States.

Kennedy wrote that it’s not the “deliberate, contrived, and dishonest” fabrication we should fear but the “persistent, persuasive, and realistic” untruths cloaked in allegory or fables that are true-sounding but are intended to deceive. Lies are often recognizable, but myths may have an appearance of reality. We should listen well and be discerning of all we hear.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7).

Men who cannot be silent will not say anything when they talk. (A.W. Tozer, author)

Some people have the “gift of gab,” as we say. They talk easily and often. One thought leads to another, and their listeners are likely to tune them out. It’s not the number of words that one speaks, but the content that’s important. We would all do well to think carefully before we speak and try to be uplifting and encouraging in our conversations.

The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? (Ecclesiastes 6:11) Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24 ).

Truth, though it has many disadvantages, is at least changeless. You can always find it where you left it. (Phyllis Bottome, British novelist and short story writer)

Truth sometimes hurts. When we’re faced with the consequences of our mistakes, the realization that we were wrong may, indeed, hurt us. Confronting someone with his or her mistakes may be difficult for both parties. But, truth is truth. It doesn’t change with the changing ethics of society or personal preference. Pursue truth at all costs.

Truthful lips endure forever (Proverbs 12:19). Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14).

In statesmanship prudence counts for more than daring. (Harper’s Weekly)

Those words were written in the issue of April 29, 1865, in commemoration of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. They are words well worth our consideration today. We often look for someone to lead us who is daring and bold, qualities that are commendable in leaders. But prudence—wise judgment—must precede and inform action.

I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion (Proverbs 8:12).