Daily Stop & Thinks

How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. (George Washington Carver, 19^th century American botanist and inventor)

That sounds like very sound advice, encouraging us to be less self-centered and more aware of the needs of those around us. The most gripping idea, however, is what Carver went on to say, “Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” It reminds us again that we should be alert and open to others and the stage of life where they might need our help.

And we urge you . . . [to] help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). God . . . will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them (Hebrews 6:10).

If there was to be independence, self-sufficiency, or freedom, then we first had to understand, accept, and discharge our responsibilities. (Clarence Thomas, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court)

When he uttered these words in a commencement address at Hillsdale College, Justice Thomas was comparing the attitude of people in his generation with that of the current generation he was addressing. His words are worth our considering today: “There [can] be no freedom without each of us discharging our responsibilities.

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 12:13). If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them (James 4:17).

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself. (Robert E. Lee, Civil War general)

It’s a frightening sight to see someone out of control, a person who, perhaps, is addicted to a dangerous substance that takes control of the user. Others just can’t control their appetites or their temper. They are the people, as Lee suggests, you don’t want to be in a leadership role, where they have authority over others. Self-control is an essential requisite for leaders.

Now the [leader] is to be above reproach . . . temperate, self-controlled, respectable . . .       (1 Timothy 3:2).

Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. (Jesus Christ)

To look at the size of people’s houses and their overflowing garages, one might think that Jesus was wrong. At least in the more affluent 21^st century societies, “stuff” does seem to be of great importance. Yet, as the Broadway play says, “You Can’t Take It With You.” So, we should consider our spiritual condition more than the abundance of things we own.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes (Luke 12:23).

A little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference. (Winnie the Pooh, a children’s cartoon character)

Most of us think our opinions are right, and we don’t hesitate to say so. But, when we don’t think of others before we speak, we may unintentionally offend someone. Careful thought before we speak is important and often prevents us from hurting others. When we value others’ opinions, we may learn something in an exchange of ideas and keep our friends, too.

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4). Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. . . . Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12, 3, 9).

Change starts when someone sees the next step. (William Drayton, American musician, actor, and comedian)

Too often we become satisfied with the status quo. We don’t see any need for change or any way to make change happen. But, as Drayton suggests, all that’s needed is for someone to come up with the first step to take. After that, subsequent steps usually become obvious, and progress is made. And there is divine help available, also.

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord (Proverbs 20:24).

We must pray as if it all depended on God and work as though it all depended on us. (St. Augustine, quoted by Warren Wiersbe, pastor and author)

There are always extremes, aren’t there? Some people believe so strongly in a sovereign God that they don’t do anything to fulfill His will; they leave it all up to Him. Others act as if there were no God—though they claim to believe in Him; they work tirelessly to accomplish what they believe is God’s will. Maybe, we should see it as a both/and situation.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. . . . Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 16:3; 19:21).

If you can’t win an argument, correct their grammar instead. (Source unknown)

Someone has called this the #1 rule in arguments. That’s really sad, isn’t it? Yet, most of us hate to lose an argument so much that we’ll try anything to win. Correcting grammar might be helpful to your opponent, to be sure, but it certainly doesn’t advance your argument or increase your popularity. So, be gracious in your verbal confrontations. Better yet, be quiet.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. (Harry Truman, 33^rd president of the United States)

Similar quotes are attributed to other writers and speakers, and it’s a good reminder. In a “me first” age, we hear athletes, entertainers, and politicians (and some less public people, too) speaking very proudly of their accomplishments. But it usually takes a team to achieve success, and we would do well to give more credit to our colleagues for our joint successes.

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips (Proverbs 27:2).

Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers. (Author Unknown)

Picking flowers is a bit like working with students. Gardens may have beautiful flowers, but they also have weeds and thorns. To get the flowers, you may have to pull some weeds and bump into thorns. Likewise, to get the best out of a classroom of students, you may meet some who are hard to work with, but perseverance will produce the desired bouquet.

The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy (Isaiah 35:1-2)

If you aren’t good at anything much, it doesn’t mean that you’re good for nothing. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

Most people probably don’t have a single outstanding talent or ability that makes them appear superior in any public way. Most of us are probably competent in what we do but not necessarily exceptional. Brown is likely reminding us that we have all been given abilities that will enable us to make a worthwhile contribution for the good of society.

[E]ach of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that (1 Corinthians 7:7). Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

Intense love does not measure; it just gives. (Mother Theresa, 20^th century nun and missionary

With all the emphasis on love in modern music and theater, you could easily get the impression that it is a highly sought-after emotion because of the personal satisfaction it gains. In other words, it’s very self-centered. We love those who give us a sense of value or worth. But true love is not self-seeking. Rather, it seeks to serve others and give them worth.

Love is patient, love is kind. . . .  [I]t is not self-seeking. . . . It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)