Daily Stop & Thinks

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will always find a way around law. (Plato, classical Greek philosopher)

Readers Digest used to have a column titled “There Ought to Be a Law” that included common complaints that someone thought could be resolved by making appropriate laws. Well, we have plenty of laws of all kinds, but there still are a lot of law-breakers. People with moral character, however, can live honorably without excessive regulations.

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge (2 Peter 1:5).

As long as I can conceive something better than myself I cannot be easy unless I am striving to bring it into existence. (George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright)

Shaw may not have been speaking for everyone, but his comment is certainly a challenge to anyone who is satisfied with the status quo. A lackadaisical attitude about life’s prospect and your ability to make a difference will almost surely accomplish little and may even result in failure. Pursuing tasks that test our ability and stretch our imagination is a worthy venture.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure . . . if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Be real, because a mask only fools people on the outside. (Alex Gaskarth, singer and song writer)

He continues, “Pretending to be someone you’re not takes a toll on the real you, and the real you is more important than anyone else.” This comment brings to mind the word “hypocrite.” It just sounds like something to be avoided. When we try to fool people, not only do we give them a wrong impression of us, but they don’t get to see who we really are.

My mouth speaks what is true (Proverbs 8:7).

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. (William Arthur Ward, inspirational writer)

Some days seem to drag on in a dreary fashion—whether we’re suffering from inclement weather or a boring task. How can we turn such days into a more pleasant experience? Ward suggests developing an attitude of gratitude. It’s amazing what a thankful spirit can do for your disposition. Try it; find someone to thank and see how both of you are uplifted.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Selfless love always desires the best for others. (Alistair Begg, Scottish pastor in America)

Most of what we see and hear about love on television, in the movies, or in modern literature is a pretty emotional, selfish physical attraction. At the slightest provocation it is turned on or off, resulting in broken families and a declining standard of life. Contrast that with the kind of love the Bible speaks of as unselfish, enduring, and beneficial.

We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1).

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).