GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: October 18, 2026

Character

The supreme test of goodness is not in the greater but in the smaller incidents of our character and practice. (F. B. Meyer, noted writer)

The Bible says it’s “the little foxes that ruin the vineyards.” Many times, it’s not the big mistakes that cause us to stumble; it’s the little things. Sometimes we can uphold our reputation in the face of big problems when others are watching, but lose it when we get home. To be tested in little things shows whether we can be trusted with the bigger. Watch out for the little things!

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much (Luke 16:10).

Stop & Think: October 17, 2026

Character

Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; character is what you have when you go away (William Hershey Davis, 19th-20th century New Testament scholar)

Since you never have a second chance to make a first impression, it’s important to begin any new relationship with a good reputation and, from then on, prove to others that you really are what you seem to be. It’s equally important not to misjudge others before knowing them well.  But what’s most important is that one’s reputation is matched by a life of sterling character.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Stop & Think: October 16, 2026

Character

Every man has three characters: that which he shows, that which he has, and that which he thinks he has. (Alphonse Karr, 19th-century French critic)

The “character” we show is our reputation. The “character” we think we have is our self-image. Our real character is the integrity—or lack of it–that we have. We all want to think well of ourselves and hope that others do, too. But the real question is: what are we really like on the inside where no one else but God can see?

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

Stop & Think: October 15, 2026

Character

No change of circumstances can repair a defect of character. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th-century American essayist)

We sometimes think that changing someone’s environment will change his behavior. Years of experience have taught us otherwise. Even reform schools (whose intent is to bring a change in conduct) rarely accomplish their purpose. What is needed, of course, is not a change of circumstances but a change of heart and mind.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is (Romans 12:2).

Stop & Think: October 14, 2026

Character

Always choose character over ability or experience. (Tom Roy, coach and sportswriter)

What are the criteria for selecting someone for a specific task? His or her ability and experience are important, of course. But more important is that person’s character. Unfortunately, people don’t come with their character qualities stamped on their foreheads, so it may take time to discern what’s true about the one you’re considering.

Choose seven men . . . who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3).

Stop & Think: October 13, 2026

Character

The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he’s born. (William R. Inge, 19th-20th century Anglican priest and author)

It’s extremely difficult to develop good character as an adult, isn’t it? Both positive and negative character traits are acquired over time, beginning in the nursery. If we want the coming generations to be persons of sterling character, we must identify and discourage the negative traits and encourage the positive characteristics that begin in childhood.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Stop & Think: October 12, 2026

Character

The thing that reveals character is involuntary response, not planned response. (John MacArthur, late pastor and author)

If we could plan the way we respond to questions or unexpected situations, we’d always come off sounding good or smelling like roses. But life isn’t like that, is it? We’re caught by a surprise circumstance or question, and we blurt out an immediate response. Our spontaneous replies often reveal our inner character.

Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him (1 Chronicles 32:25).

Stop & Think: October 11, 2026

Character

The inner man shows himself often enough that our reputation at least roughly matches our character. (Dan Doriani, seminary professor)

We may sometimes think we can hide who we really are by speaking well and doing good things in public. And, indeed, that may work for a while. But what’s inside a person’s heart and mind is certain to come out eventually, and then we’ll be seen for who we really are. So, as we grow and mature, our goal should be to improve our behavior and reputation.

The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (I Samuel 26:7).

Stop & Think: October 10, 2026

Character

Your character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are. (William Hershey Davis, late seminary professor)

Everyone likes to be well thought of. We all want to have a good reputation, and that’s important. But ultimately, character will determine one’s reputation. If you develop strong character, reflecting virtue and high values, your reputation will demonstrate it. It’s what is inside you that determines what impression you will make on others, whether good or bad.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Stop & Think: October 9, 2026

Character

A good character is the best tombstone. . . . Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. (C.H. Spurgeon, 19th-century Englishman often called “the prince of preachers”)

How do you want to be remembered? What would you like people to say about you? That will be determined pretty much by the way you live, speak, and act before you die. And it will not be the words and actions so much as the attitude you displayed and your integrity. It’s a matter of what people thought you to be on the inside; that’s character.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (Proverbs 11:3).

Stop & Think: October 8, 2026

Character

Nearly anyone can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)

History is filled with examples of leaders who didn’t know how to handle power well. We all may have experienced such failure personally when we were given authority before we were fully prepared to handle it. Character qualities are developed when you handle the hard times gracefully. When you’ve proved yourself in adversity, your integrity will keep you from abusing the power you’ve been given.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn (Proverbs 29:2).

Stop & Think: October 7, 2026

Character

Example is not the main thing in influencing others . . . it is the only thing. (Albert Schweitzer, 20th-century German theologian and physician)

That’s a rather strong statement, isn’t it? And yet, we probably all recognize that watching another person’s conduct offers better evidence of his true character than what he may say. Because what one does reveals more clearly who he or she really is as a person. So, we must all be sure our own conduct and expression match. Say what is right and do it, too.

Set an example … in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).