Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. (Muhammad Ali, heavyweight boxing champion)

During childhood and adolescence, we learn a lot about life and we gain the essentials for living. As Ali suggests, however, learning must not stop at a certain age. As we learn, we gain a better perspective on life. People who are constantly learning, whatever their age, are the people who are continually growing, who become successful and fulfilled.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning (Proverbs 9:9).

STOP AND THINK – I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don’t work out, that’s when I’ve really learned. (Carol Burnett, American actress and comedian)

The difficulties we face in life often seem to be insurmountable. When we encounter them, we become discouraged, we want to quit, to just give up. In her life, Burnett discovered that persevering paid off. In fact, it was from those very difficulties that she learned lessons that helped her succeed. Don’t discount problems; let those challenges be opportunities to learn.

Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship (2 Timothy 4:5). Endure hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7).

STOP AND THINK – Man is a creature of hope and invention, both of which belie the idea that things cannot be changed. (Tom Clancy, American novelist and historian)

Hope does seem to be inherent in mankind. We are always looking for something better and hoping for the best. Maybe, a lot of that hope is because of our ability to search, discover, and invent. As Clancy suggests, those characteristics ought to encourage us to work for positive change. Things don’t have to stay as they are if we make the effort to improve them.

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:25)

STOP AND THINK – Falsehoods don’t become truth by their repetition. (Jesse Deloe, teacher and editor)

Somehow we seem to think that if we hear something often enough, it must be true. That seems to be the reasoning behind many TV commercials. Constant repetition—sometimes at fast-paced and high decibel levels—is impressed on our memories, so we often accept what is being related as truth. We would do well to check the facts to verify authenticity.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . .think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

STOP AND THINK – Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. (Tim Timberlake)

Those are the extremes of life, aren’t they? If we have struggled with having too little, we know how difficult it is to be in need and have no resources. On the other hand, when we have a lot, we often fall into the trap of putting our faith in “things,” and feeling secure. But many people will acknowledge the importance of being happy in either circumstance.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. (Philippians 4:12)

STOP AND THINK – It’s not the “learned” that make great leaders, but the “learners.” (Quoted by Neil Cole, church planter and author)

We often look to the scholars, the academically-trained teachers to provide strong leadership. And some highly educated learners do give strong and valued leadership. However, as suggested above, the greatest leaders are often those men and women who are still learning, who don’t think they already know it all. They lead best by learning with their followers.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Proverbs 9:9)

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).