Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – To desire and strive to be of some service to the world … this is a choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for. (Henry Van Dyke, author, educator, and clergyman)

He added, “To aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of humankind” is also possible and a worthy goal. In modern society it seems that self-centeredness has become a virtue. We seem to be so concerned about self-image, that we often overlook the importance of serving others, a pursuit of lasting global value.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

STOP AND THINK – When we seek to discover the best in others we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. (William Arthur Ward, author)

One of our common human weaknesses is the tendency to see other people’s faults rather than their good points. Perhaps it’s because we are so keenly aware of our own weaknesses. When we do look for the good in someone else and we act upon it by complementing them or giving them opportunity to express themselves, we are better for it, and so are they.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

STOP AND THINK – Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. (Stephen Covey, educator, author, business man, public speaker)

Covey’s observation should create a sense of guilt in most conversationalists. We often are guilty of planning our next words while someone is talking to us, so we’re not really hearing what they’re saying. Our responses would be much more helpful if we were to clearly understand what we are hearing. Listening is an art we must all practice and learn well.

 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. (James 1:19)

STOP AND THINK – The unexamined life is not worth living. (Socrates, 4^th century B.C. Greek philosopher)

For many, life just goes on day after day without much thought about it. “Whatever will be, will be,” the song says, and that seems to be the view of many. But life is the precious gift of God and is intended for personal growth and joy and for benefitting others. So, we do need to examine our lives to see how we can be better stewards of the life we’ve been given.

 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. (Ephesians 3:15-16)

STOP AND THINK – The moment you’re ready to give up is usually the moment right before the miracle happens. Don’t give up. (Quoted by Zig Ziglar, late motivational speaker)

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We’ve persisted at some task, working harder and harder to complete a project—all to no avail. After many trials, we’re about to give up. The temptation is so great just to throw in the towel and call it quits. But, if we’ll take a break, breathe deeply and thoughtfully, perhaps the miracle of persistence will pay off.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

STOP AND THINK – When you have to start compromising yourself or your morals for the people around you, it is probably time to change the people around you. (Marc Daniels, American television director)

When we’re faced with situations and circumstances that would seem to demand moral compromise, we must decide which is more important: our integrity and values or our relationship with people of differing standards. Relationships are important, of course, but standing up for what is right is essential if we are to maintain our integrity and reputation.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. (Proverbs 16:13)

STOP AND THINK – No matter how long we’ve traveled on the wrong road, we can always turn around. (Gil Scott-Heron, musician and author)

Sometimes we become so bogged down in a rut that we fail to realize we’re following a path to nowhere. Somewhere we got on the wrong road, and we’re too proud to admit it and make a U-turn. But, it’s never too late to start over. Learn from the mistakes you’ve made on the wrong path and proceed with a quickened step on the right road in the right direction.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me. (Philippians 3:13-14)

STOP AND THINK – Progress depends on human choices and human courage. (Michael J. Gerson, speech-writer and author)

A lot of events and people must be involved in creating the future. It’s not happenstance, and it isn’t fate. As Gerson says, human involvement is required to determine how things will work out in the unknown days ahead. So much depends on making choices—good choices. And, having made them, courageously pursuing their fulfillment is the sure path to success.

Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 10:25)

STOP AND THINK – Until you have learned to be tolerant with those who do not always agree with you . . .  you will be neither successful nor happy. (Napoleon Hill, American author of the New Thought movement)

Hill adds that you will not be happy, “… until you have cultivated the habit of saying some kind word of those whom you do not admire; until you have formed the habit of looking for the good instead of the bad there is in others.” Respecting others and valuing their worth are necessary to understanding who they are and building a meaningful relationship.

Give to everyone what you owe them: . . . if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor (Romans 13:7). Show proper respect to everyone (1 Peter 2:17).

STOP AND THINK – When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper. They may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless. (Chris Colfer, actor, singer, and author)

You have probably run into someone who “rubbed you the wrong way.” People hurt people with words and innuendo maybe more than by physical mistreatment. How do we respond to such verbal abuse? Words do hurt, but Colfer’s advice is helpful. If you can respond quietly and without anger, you’ll recover quickly and the offending person will likely hurt more.

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. . . . Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. (Luke 6:28, 30)

STOP AND THINK – Never judge reality by your own limited experiences. (Robert Schuller, televangelist and author)

People are inclined to think that their personal experiences represent the totality of reality. How they respond to a given situation is how they think everybody would feel. However, people rarely react the same even in similar circumstances. Life is more than your own experience. Broaden your horizons by observing reality all around you.

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? (1 Corinthians 2:11)

STOP AND THINK – Be someone for somebody. (Mother Teresa)

No one wants to live in isolation. Though some are less gregarious than others, still they profit from some relationships even if they are few and infrequent. But, for those who are isolated because of disease, poverty, or unjust discrimination, there needs to be someone who will recognize their worth as created in the image of God and move toward helping them.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right (James 2:8). Blessed is the one who is kind to the needy (Proverbs 14:21).