Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Men don’t follow titles, they follow courage. (William Wallace, 13^th-14^th century leader for Scottish independence)

Was Wallace right? Is this true today? Are we inclined to evaluate people on the basis of title or position rather than their demonstrated leadership? Do we consider wealth, fame in the entertainment or sports industries, or political achievement of greater value than courage as we decide who should lead us? Let’s look for leaders whose character compels us to follow.

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. (Joshua 1:9)

STOP AND THINK – Today is unique! It has never occurred before and it will never be repeated. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

It’s obvious, as the writer says further, “At midnight [today] will end, quietly, suddenly, totally. Forever.” We don’t often think about the value of each 24 hours—or, at least, the waking portion of our day. But, as Swindoll wrote, “The hours between now and then are opportunities with eternal possibilities.” While we have the time, let’s make the best use of it.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

STOP AND THINK – Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people brings happiness. (Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People)

What Kushner wrote emphasizes that happiness is not something that we can attain by serving ourselves or seeking to satisfy our personal desires. Rather, it is to be found in serving others, looking out for their best. We may risk being hurt when we try to help someone else, but if we can positively impact another, we will find great personal joy.

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

STOP AND THINK – The great menace to progress is not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge. (Daniel Boorstin, 20^th century American historian)

It isn’t what you don’t know that might hurt you, it’s what you think you know that isn’t so that can really be dangerous. Sometimes we think we know it all—or, at least, we think we know enough about a particular topic that we can forge ahead without fear. But, if we are careful to pursue and verify the facts, we’ll have a greater chance of making progress.

Knowledge comes easily to the discerning. (Proverbs 14:6)

STOP AND THINK – Why fit in when you were born to standout? (Dr. Seuss, American writer of children’s books)

Young people are often torn between extremes: wanting to be accepted by the “in” crowd—to be like everyone else—or wanting to be different—not like everybody else. Seuss is probably not recommending that we dress or act different from normal, but that we discover our abilities and enhance them to the benefit of others, standing out in a wholesome way.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

STOP AND THINK – I never met a man who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering. (Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th president of the United States)

Someone jokingly said, “I’m not afraid of work, I can lie down right beside it and go to sleep.” And yet work is a gift of God; He created man to work, to till the garden and tend the animals. Nothing of lasting value is accomplished without hard work. Roosevelt was right. If you want to be remembered, get to work and do something worthwhile.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). Acknowledge those who work hard among you… Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12).

STOP AND THINK – Before you can know what authority is, you must first learn what submission is. (J. Robert Clinton, professor and author)

To be an effective leader, your followers must understand and accept your authority, whether it’s from your position or gained through experience. A truly successful leader, whose authority is clearly recognized, will almost certainly have first learned how to submit to authority in his own experience. That kind of leader will be easy to follow.

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions . . . and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Hebrews 5:7)

STOP AND THINK – The test is not in the knowing but in the doing. (Jesse Deloe, teacher, editor)

Most students are intimidated by tests, especially oral exams. In Western education, such tests are mostly about what facts you’ve learned and how they relate to each other. There is value, of course, in memorizing facts, but applying what you’re learning to life is of even greater value. It’s part of a trio of important elements: knowing, being, and doing.

The proverbs of Solomon …for gaining wisdom and instruction … for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair. (Proverbs 1:1-3)

STOP AND THINK – If scholarship is about wisdom as much as truth, then it is about practice as much as knowledge. (Chris Gehrz, college professor)

Learning is important for all of us. But it’s more than just memorizing the facts. It’s essential to view the facts with a perspective that enables you to see their relationships and draw conclusions that bring you to ultimate truth. Then, equally and perhaps more importantly, you must put what you learn into practice. That’s the only way to grow and be productive.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Proverbs 1:5)

STOP AND THINK – All who would win joy must share it; happiness was born a twin. (Lord Byron, 19^th century English poet)

Joy and happiness are emotions to be treasured. But they are not to be held on to jealously. When your joy is shared with others, it not only blesses them but it increases your own pleasure. It’s a win-win situation. You may not wish to share your burdens and sorrows with others (although that can be very helpful to you), but you certainly should share your joys.

We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. (1 John 1:4)

STOP AND THINK – The fear of death is engrafted in the common nature of all men, but faith works it out of Christians. (Vavasor Powell, 17^th century Welsh puritan)

The fear of death seems to be almost universal. We don’t talk about death much, unless we or someone close to us is facing a terminal illness. The young almost feel immortal, but we need to face the reality that, as the Bible says, all of us are destined to die and after that there’s a judgment. But the Bible also offers hope to those who put their faith in God.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

STOP AND THINK – Man’s mind once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimension. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, 20^th century U.S. Supreme Court justice)

The 19^th century French writer, Victor Hugo, said, “No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.” Such ideas, once conceived, can never be forgotten. Moreover, Holmes indicates that such powerful ideas will stretch our mind so that we can never be the same. Great ideas push us to examine the thought further until it yields worthy results.

For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)