Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. (Ferdinand Foch, 19th-20th century French soldier)

That’s an interesting statement from a military man. We might have expected him to name a big cannon or a strong cavalry unit as the strongest of weapons in his day. But no, he says a man with a burning zeal is more difficult to defeat than some powerful weapons of war. Is that the kind of people we are? Just think of the good we could do with such passion.

He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion. (Isaiah 59:17)

STOP AND THINK – The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. (James Oppenheim, 20th century American poet, novelist, and editor)

In American this is April Fool’s Day, a day when people play pranks on others to get a laugh and to poke fun. But foolishness is a far more serious thing. As Oppenheim says, the person who is always looking to the future and ignoring the present is a fool, missing out on his current opportunities for success and happiness.

You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

STOP AND THINK – Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. (Shakespeare)

Simple words but loaded with meaning. Shakespeare might have been thinking of Jesus’ words in the first statement, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). No doubt, life experience had taught him the second one. And the third, perhaps the biblical admonition referred to as “The Golden Rule.”

In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)

STOP AND THINK – We must be willing to fail and to appreciate the truth that often “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.” (M. Scott Peck, psychiatrist and author)

No one wants to fail. We all work hard to succeed, but failure is a part of life, and we must learn to deal with it. There are no solutions to some problems, it seems, and we simply have to learn to live with the unsolvable. As Peck says, life is a mystery. There can be a lot of enjoyment and benefit from pursuing that mystery with the intention to learn and benefit.

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

STOP AND THINK – Start living now. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. (Mary Manin Morrissey, life coach)

Some people are always waiting for a better day to enjoy something special. Morrissey says, “Stop saving the good china for that special occasion” and “Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes.” If you wait too long to do what you’ve always wanted to do—travel, try a hobby, visit a friend—you may never have the chance. Just do it now.

You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

STOP AND THINK – Success isn’t something you achieve, it’s someone you become. (Kary Oberbrunner, author and motivational speaker)

We’ve heard this idea before, but we need to be reminded of it regularly. Our society honors achievement (Olympic medals, winning in competition, building empires, etc.), and we are inclined to idolize such accomplishments. In reality, however, the most important achievements in life are what is accomplished in our own development and maturity.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

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)