Daily Stop & Thinks

Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny. (Stephen Covey, educator and author)

Note the progressive order of Covey’s observation. You don’t just arrive at a destiny; it begins with an idea, a thought. It’s a process. And every one of Covey’s list is critical for achieving anything worthwhile. That’s why time and carefully directed effort are so important. Act well, develop good habits, establish high character—reach your goal!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me (Philippians 3:14).

I am not the flag: not at all. I am but its shadow. (Franklin Night Lane, 19^th-20^th century politician)

Today is Flag Day in the United States. While some people disrespect the flag today, Lane held it in high esteem, apparently very proud to represent the flag. It’s not the fabric with stars and stripes, of course, but what the banner represents: the nation’s unity and freedom achieved at high cost. The flag is a symbol worth acknowledging with respect.

Righteousness exalts a nation. . . . Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. . . . “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Proverbs 14:34; 33:12; 46:10)

To lead with integrity means we practice what we preach. (Scott Morton, management theorist)

Occasionally, we’re tempted to say, “Don’t do what I do, do what I say,” because we realize that we’re not setting a good example for others to follow. Whether it’s in a family, a social venue, or a workplace, our word needs to true if we are to be a successful leader. What we do often speaks so loud, people may not be able to hear what we say. Lead with integrity.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity (Titus 2:7).

Love works, but you have to work at it. (Carey Nieuwhof, leadership mentor and author‏)

In spring, love is always in the air, but often it’s just a romantic, momentary, passing fancy. True love is an action; it’s acting toward another in his or her best interest because of the value you place on them. Lasting relationships will certainly involve deep emotion, but they will require constant attention and energy. It’s well worth the effort, of course.

Love is patient . . . Love never fails . . .  these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:4, 8, 13).

Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. (Timothy Keller, popular preacher and writer)

We are often distressed by the degradation of modern society as reflected in coarse language, suggestive media productions, political intrigue, not to mention violence. A return to civility must begin with repentance and transformation of heart and soul. Even where a better level of integrity exists, there is room for introspection and improvement.

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Live in harmony with one another. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:16, 18).

A friend can tell you things you don’t want to tell yourself. (Frances Ward Weller, children’s books author)

No one likes to be criticized, but all of us need be corrected from time to time. Another writer says, “Truth tellers are tough to hear, but their insight makes you better.” Such experiences can be valuable learning times.” Surely, we all want to improve in character, attitude, and behavior, and helpful criticism so often it just what is needed.

A friend loves at all times. . . . Wounds from a friend can be trusted. (Proverbs 17:17; 27:6)

A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing. (Payne Stewart, late professional golfer)

Payne Stewart was known for his colorful outfits (including knickers), championship-caliber golfing, and a winsome spirit. To a professional or champion amateur athlete, form is everything. Each movement and action is practiced and planned to achieve the desired goal. It’s good to realize, however, that a fulfilling life depends more on attitude than skill.

Put off your old self . . .   be made new in the attitude of your minds . . . put on the new self, created to be like God (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The time is always right to do right. (Martin Luther King, Jr, late civil rights leader)

Timing is everything, they say, from giving the tag line to a good joke to adding the proper ingredient to a gourmet dish. Sometimes, however, we seem to hesitate to say a kind word or speak up for someone else, because the time doesn’t seem quite right to us. It would be really good to keep King’s comment in mind: it’s always the time to do right.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17)

No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence. (George Eliot, pen name for Mary Anne Evans, 19^th century English writer)

Occasionally, someone will say that he or she feels lonely even when they’re in the middle of a crowd. What a shame! With all those people around, certainly someone can be found whom they could befriend. It’s not just what someone can do for you, but what you can do for another person that can fill the emptiness.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted (Psalm 25:16).

Men make counterfeit money; in many more cases, money makes counterfeit men. (Sydney J. Harris, 20^th century American journalist)

The lure of money and wealth is deceitful in their promise of security and happiness. They are counterfeits of what is really of true value. People who seek after them often lose their sense of worth. In pursuing prosperity, they achieve only temporary satisfaction and develop an insatiable appetite for more—never achieving happiness or contentment.

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income (Ecclesiastes 5:10). For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry. (Inspiration Newsline)

A lot is said about diversity today, so it would be good to remember what Inspiration Newsline said further: “We must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” It takes understanding and tolerance to create a beautiful human tapestry.

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

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed. (Sydney Smith, 19^th century English writer)

This is good advice for people who constantly wish they were someone else. God created you with all you need to accomplish His purposes for you and to find fulfillment in realizing them. Success is not measured by individual exploits so much as by the totality of one’s achievements in keeping with his talents and abilities.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4).