Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person. (George Eliot, pen name for Mary Ann Evans, 19^th century English novelist)

Eliot wrote further, “. . . having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words . . . knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” That’s the kind of friend we all want, trustworthy and faithful, keeping confidences and offering a safe haven.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

STOP AND THINK – Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result. (Winston Churchill, World War II British prime minister)

Having served in the military, Churchill no doubt knew what he was talking about concerning physical danger. He also played very significant roles in two World Wars, and as a prominent politician, he experienced many verbal assaults. Yet, he survived to lead his nation from nearly fatal attacks to ultimate victory.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)

STOP AND THINK – Public charisma without private character will ruin you as a leader. (Wayne Cordeiro, pastor and author)

Whether it’s the old-time snake-oil salesman or the modern day Internet scammer, ultimately, no amount of personal charm will cover up evil or deceptive behavior. As the Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” We should be more concerned about our reputation and integrity than about our popularity.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)

STOP AND THINK – Love is not automatic. It takes conscious practice and awareness, just like playing the piano or golf. (Uncertain source)

You may enjoy music and sports, but participating with skill takes serious practice. Likewise, while we may respond pleasurably to an attractive person or develop emotional feelings for a friend, true love has to be cultivated. Genuine love seeks the best interest of the one you love. And, because it takes practice, everyone you meet can be your practice session.

Serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13)

STOP AND THINK – You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love. (Henry Drummond, 19^th century writer and lecturer.)

We are motivated by many different factors. Sometimes we act out of a sense of guilt for some failure or error. At other times, we do what we do because circumstances or outside pressures force us to. But when we act out of a sense of concern for others and appreciation of their worth, we experience a sense of fulfillment and pleasure.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

STOP AND THINK – If you judge people, you have no time to love them. (Mother Teresa)

Sadly, it seems to be a common human trait to judge other people, questioning their words or actions, and, what’s worse, their motives. While it may be proper at times to evaluate what we see and hear for the sake of helpful improvement, questioning someone’s motives is a dangerous habit to develop. How much better to demonstrate affection and care for them.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

STOP AND THINK – It’s never been so easy to pretend to know so much without actually knowing anything. (quoted by Chris Gherz, college history professor)

I guess we can blame the Internet—and maybe social media. People seem all too ready to expose themselves (and often their ignorance) by posting all kinds of information. Often they pass on unsubstantiated matters of interest, giving the impression that they are in the know. We should be very careful to share only what we know to be true—and beneficial.

My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. (Proverbs 8:7)

STOP AND THINK – Nobody is bored when he is trying to make something that is beautiful, or to discover something that is true. (William Inge, 20^th century playwright and novelist)

Do your daily tasks bore you? Are you involved in routine, repetitive, mechanical activity that is almost mind-numbing? If it’s physical activity, look for ways the routine can be re-directed to producing something of beauty. If it’s mental work, be creative and find ways to discover or advance what is true and helpful.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-5)

STOP AND THINK – Catastrophes are intended to bring people to God. (Author unknown)

When bad things happen, especially to good people, we often ask, “If there is a god, why does he allow these disasters to occur? There may be many reasons. Sometimes the bad things are merely the consequences of our wrong choices. At least, such tragic events should awaken us to our need to draw close to God—to renew our faith in His better plan.

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28)

STOP AND THINK – It is never too late to start doing what is right! (Charles Swindoll, pastor and writer)

Sometimes, when we make mistakes and start off on a wrong track, we are reluctant to start over. Either we’re just plain stubborn or we think we can make things right later. The next time you’re in a self-made mess, take Swindoll’s advice and try doing what is right and abandon going any further on the wrong path.

To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

STOP AND THINK – To swear off making mistakes is very easy. All you have to do is swear off having ideas. (Leo Burnett, 20^th century creative advertising executive)

Most people don’t like to make mistakes, but mistakes are part of life—a part of growing up and maturing. Once we’ve advanced beyond the foolish mistakes of childhood, we try hard to avoid errors, but as Burnett seems to imply, you can’t avoid all mistakes if you want to come up with new and valuable ideas. Learn from mistakes and continue to think creatively.

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. (Proverbs 24:16)

STOP AND THINK – You will never influence someone who doesn’t first feel accepted by you. (Mike Lee, American pastor)

Jack Kemp, late American athlete and politician, put it this way, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Arguing accomplishes little and rarely changes anyone’s mind. Working in someone’s best interest (the biblical idea of love) is much more effective in any effort to help someone else.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8)