Daily Stop & Thinks

The opinions that we have don’t make a difference like the love that we give. (Ann Voskamp, Canadian author)

Everyone seems to have an opinion about any subject you might want to talk about. And most of us hold onto those opinions very tightly. Thus, the expression, opinionated, which usually is not a compliment. Even when our personal ideas are correct, they will not likely have as positive an effect on our hearers as a sincere demonstration of concern and love.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).

For morality, a right heart is better than a right law. (Jackson Wu, theologian)

Many who are dissatisfied with the current state of society—decrying high crime rates, lack of respect and courtesy—plead for the government “to do something about it.” Hundreds of years of history have demonstrated clearly, however, that morality cannot be legislated. It’s not a new law we need but a new heart, an inner acceptance of truth and transformation of life.

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. …

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. (Ezekiel 18:31; 36:26).

Discernment is the power to tell the good from the bad [and] the genuine from the counterfeit… (Samuel Johnson, 18^th century English literary critic)

Johnson went on to say, “…and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the counterfeit.” As important as it is to have the wisdom to determine good from bad and right from wrong, it is just as important to choose the genuine over the counterfeit. With today’s plethora of questionable ethics in social media and advertising, godly discernment is critical.

King Solomon prayed, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong “ (1 Kings 3:9).

We shouldn’t confuse information with knowledge or knowledge with wisdom. (T. S. Eliot, 20^th century British essayist and social critic)

Think about these two startling facts as a result of the “information age”: 1) if Wikipedia were made into a book, it would be 2.25 million pages. 2) Facebook’s 1 billion members make it the third largest nation in the world. Does increased information lead to better knowledge? Does that result in the wise use of knowledge and information? What is the source of wisdom?

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not. (Henry Ward Beecher, 19^th century clergyman)

When we give advice, we most often want to see how faithfully it is followed. If our counsel is followed, we are happy that we contributed to another’s well-being. Beech says, however, that that shouldn’t be a concern to us. That’s hard to accept, isn’t it? But we advise, not for our pleasure, but to help others. And where we get our advice and counsel is most important.

To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his (Job 12:13). “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power,“ [says the Lord] (Proverbs 8:14).

The miracle isn’t that I finished. It’s that I had the courage to start. (John Bingham, Marathon Runner)

Most people look at marathon runners with admiration and, maybe, a little envy. Don’t we all wish that we could compete well in such a race? But, wishing doesn’t make it happen, and you can’t finish a race you haven’t started. Of course, there’s a great deal of preparation and training that’s needed, too. So, whatever the project, let’s set our goal and get started!

Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you (1 Chronicles 22:16).

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. (Coco Chanel, late French fashion designer)

Speaking your own mind can be scary. The pressure of strong influence from the media or out-spoken friends might intimidate us so that we are fearful to say what we believe. Whether it’s politics, sports, or religion, to say what we really think often takes a good bit of courage. In an open and free society, we must develop a backbone to stand up for what we believe.

Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. (Jeremiah 1:17).

All who would win joy must share it; happiness was born a twin. (Lord Byron, 18^th & 19^th century English poet)

A truly happy person—one whose joy is constant and obvious—is a person whose company is enjoyed and whose attitude is contagious. Byron is suggesting that joy must be shared. You can’t keep it to yourself. Such happiness is greatly needed in our rush-rush society where there doesn’t seem to be time to make lasting friends. Slow down and share your joy!

I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy (2 Corinthians 2:3).

It is not what you are that counts but only what people think you are. (Joseph Kennedy, late ambassador to Britain and father of President John F. Kennedy)

Kennedy’s statement is subject to two widely different understandings. It may be true that, regardless of who you think you are or what you have done, the reality might be that people will see you as something quite different. On the other hand, it really makes little difference what others think. Your character and integrity determine who you really are.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. . . . The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 10:9; 11:13)

In today’s society, tolerance is a common theme. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and misused. (Jesse Deloe, writer and editor)

The dictionary: tolerance is “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” Americans have often shown amazing tolerance, but today’s society seems to have limited it, making political correctness the standard and excluding any who dissent from their positions. But, to all, we should demonstrate openness of mind.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something different is the greatest accomplishment. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19^th century essayist and poet)

People today—especially young people—are pressed on every side to conform to whatever the current “ideal” image is supposed to be. TV, movies, and social media, constantly portray what the current appearance, activity, or music style should be. It takes a good, moral foundation to withstand such pressure and to be the person God made you to be.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

A life not lived for others is not a life. (Mother Teresa)

That’s a hard saying, isn’t it? Many of us have been raised in an environment where we are taught to look out for ourselves first, and to beware of others lest they take advantage of us. That kind of life outlook, however, makes you defensive and wary of anyone who wants to get close to you. Living for the benefit of others, however, leads to a life of joy and fulfillment.

Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25)