Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Resentment is a self-inflicted wound. (Mike Lee, American pastor)

When you are hurt by someone, resentment tends to build up until you begin to think about some way to seek revenge, to get even. But, as the saying goes, “Love, like candy, is dandy, but revenge, like liquor is quicker and lasts longer.” Resentment, over time, will create an attitude that will wreak havoc with your personal life and your relationships.

Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple (Job 5:2). The godless in heart harbor resentment (Job 36:13)

STOP AND THINK – Giving is not an investment; it is an act of worship. (Source unknown)

That’s a simple statement with strong implications. 1) When we offer a gift, we should not be looking for a return. That’s selfish giving. 2) What we give to will suggest where our values are placed. We give to persons or endeavors we think are worthy of our attention and commitment. At an extreme that would be very close to worship, wouldn’t it?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

STOP AND THINK – There’s no escaping it, the common denominator in each and every relationship in our life is: ourselves. (Chelle Thompson, Inspiration Line)

In all our relationships—family, classmates, colleagues at work, or friends—there is but one common factor: us. Each relationship is different from every other, no doubt, but the influence of all our associations will affect us in a variety of ways. We should cherish the benefit of all those connections, making sure the common element (us) is strong.

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

STOP AND THINK – People follow incentives more than rules. (John Teevan, educational administrator)

It may be easy to follow rules, because we know exactly what is expected in terms of behavior. On the other hand, we sometimes chafe at rules that may seem to stifle our imagination or creativity. When we are given goals to achieve with rewards to be earned, it’s so much easier to work hard, follow the rules, and achieve greater goals.

Because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do. (Ephesians 6:8)

STOP AND THINK – You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one. (James A. Froude, 19th century English historian)

No doubt, we would all like to be known for our sterling character, but wishing for such a reputation won’t make it happen. Character, as Froude suggests, is developed over time by an unspoiled reputation demonstrated by a person’s actions and attitude. You work at being the best person you can be and let others acknowledge the character you’ve developed.

A good name is more desirable than great riches. (Proverbs 22:1)

STOP AND THINK – People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. (Jack Kemp, 20th century American athlete and politician)

This statement has been attributed to various people, but Jack Kemp exemplified it in his personal and professional life. We can say we care about others, and we can share our “greater” knowledge, but it is meaningless to the hearers if our actions belie our statements. On the other hand, if we demonstrate genuine care, people will be eager to hear what we say.

Praise be to … God … who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

STOP AND THINK – The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself. (Anaïs Nin, 20th century American author)

Nin seems to be emphasizing the importance of the mind and personal introspection. When you meditate deeply on all that you are learning and experiencing, you may very well find that your understanding of life will increase beyond your own personal thoughts and ideas. It will give you a new perspective on life and benefit both you and others.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

STOP AND THINK – The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success. (Inspiration Line)

Today is the first day of spring, and farmers have been thinking about getting the fields ready to sow seed. Those positive thoughts are in contrast to today’s quote, but spring sometimes brings storms or drought, hindering the planting of crops. The faithful farmer will keep at the task, however, working for a bountiful harvest in the fall. A good lesson for all of us to learn.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. (James 5:7)

STOP AND THINK – You must do the thing you think you cannot do. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late wife of the 32nd president of the United States)

Mrs. Roosevelt was an active political wife, respected for her humanitarian efforts and strong motivational force. The statement above might seem to be an oxymoron. How can one do what he can’t do? Would it be fair to restate her words: “Work hard at doing what you think is right even if you don’t think you can”? That kind of motivation can be very forceful.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

STOP AND THINK – You must do the thing you think you cannot do. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late wife of the 32nd president of the United States)

Mrs. Roosevelt was an active political wife, respected for her humanitarian efforts and strong motivational force. The statement above might seem to be an oxymoron. How can one do what he can’t do? Would it be fair to restate her words: “Work hard at doing what you think is right even if you don’t think you can”? That kind of motivation can be very forceful.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

STOP AND THINK – Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; Character is what angels say about you before the throne of God. (William Hershey Davis, Welsh poet and writer)

Many people seem to be greatly concerned about their reputation—what people think of them. Unfortunately, the fame we achieve in life is often related to events that are momentary and do not have a lasting benefit. It’s not what people see that matters so much as the inner integrity that is important, both in the physical life and especially in the spiritual.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely … (Proverbs 10:9). The integrity of the upright guides them … (Proverbs 11:3).

STOP AND THINK – Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil; our great hope lies in developing what is good. (Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States)

It is abundantly evident in this 21st century that there is plenty of evil in the world. The many efforts of untold hundreds of organizations to defeat crime and the results of evil seem to have accomplished little. Perhaps it’s time to follow Coolidge’s’ advice and try a different tack: a positive effort to do good, to share hope, to work for peace and safety.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)