Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – People are usually more convinced by reasons they discovered themselves than by those found by others. (Blaise Pascal, 17th century French mathematician and philosopher)

Any good teacher attempts to follow this principle with his students. It’s often easier simply to tell students what they need to learn and know than to let them discover truth on their own. The good teacher will direct their investigations and research, enabling them, not only to discover truth, but also showing them how to follow it.

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. (Titus 2:7-8)

STOP AND THINK – What sets heroes aside from the rest of humanity is the willingness to assume a personal responsibility for public problems. (Inspiration Line)

We find it easy to complain about the government, politics, and society in general, but few of us take personal responsibility to bring change. Those who do are the heroes, the people who are willing to risk their reputation and sometimes their lives to work for change. If we were to join them, no doubt lasting change would more likely be achieved for everyone’s good.

The Apostle Paul, “I urge that prayers and intercessions be made for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. (paraphrase of 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

STOP AND THINK – Taste buds are proof that God didn’t only want us to survive, but to enjoy the journey. (Randall Smith, American pastor)

It has been said that some people eat to live while others live to eat. Of course, we eat to sustain life, and we should be careful about how we eat for the greatest health benefit. But aren’t you glad for the sense of taste? It’s just another indication of a gracious God who loves us, which means He is always acting toward us in our best interest.

Command those who are rich in this present world . . . to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17)

STOP AND THINK – Man is always inclined to be intolerant towards the thing, or person, he hasn’t taken the time adequately to understand. (Robert R. Brown)

We might conclude from Brown’s comment that we could reduce a lot of intolerance and misunderstanding if we would just take the time and effort to learn about those things and people we don’t like. A little bit of “walking in their shoes,” perhaps, would improve our attitude of intolerance and dislike. It is certainly worth the effort.

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24). In humility value others above yourselves . . . not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4)

STOP AND THINK – If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace. (John Lennon, British musician and founding member of the Beatles, popular 20th century band)

Sounds like something Thomas Jefferson (quoted yesterday) might agree with. It’s another evidence that material possessions ought not to have the top priority in our value system. Lennon’s statement may be a bit naïve because peace is more than just stopping wars and riots. Lasting peace must have a spiritual dimension beyond mere human aspiration.

Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

STOP AND THINK – Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching. (Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States)

Today is Presidents Day in the U.S. Washington and Lincoln were born in February, so we take this one day to honor all of our presidents. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and penned many other valuable writings. The statement above reminds us that we don’t live alone; we live in community. So, be thoughtful of others.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

STOP AND THINK – Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. (Nelson Mandela, late president of South Africa)

It’s doubtful that anyone would argue against that statement. But we must ask, “What is being taught and for what purpose?” History has often demonstrated that when education is based on falsehoods or harmful assumptions, societies suffer. We must be careful to qualify the source of education and the teachers.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. (Proverbs 13:14)

STOP AND THINK – Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled. (Author unknown)

Sounds like a silly, childish cartoon saying, doesn’t it? Yet, when you think about it, there may be some deeper thought to it. Somebody has to put those snowflakes together to make a snow-man, a snow castle, or anything else made of snow. Maybe we can learn that we are to take what God sends us and make something out of it—something more lasting than a snowman.

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

STOP AND THINK – You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving. (Amy Carmichael, 19th-20th century Christian missionary and author)

In the USA today thousands of Valentines cards, boxes of candy, and flowers will be given to express love. They are pleasant gifts, of course, and they symbolize the real significance of love, as Carmichael has pointed out. Love is an action word, a deliberate giving of oneself to another and acting toward that loved one in his or her best interest.

Jesus, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)

STOP AND THINK – Be the change you wish to see in the world. (Mahatma Gandhi, 19th-20th century leader of nonviolent nationalism movement in India)

Almost everyone wants to see changes, improvements in circumstances or in the political arena. Politicians often campaign on platforms promising change. But, as Gandhi suggests, real change has to begin with the individual. If you want to see change, make sure you change in the desired way. Then, you can be an example of change that others can follow.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. (Titus 2:7)

STOP AND THINK – Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then, stand firm. (Abraham Lincoln)

Today we note the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, “Honest Abe,” the 16th president of the United States. In spite of many personal and political defeats, he persevered to become one of the most respected men in American history. He surely lived out what he said, standing firm when he felt he was right, an attribute we should all cultivate.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

STOP AND THINK – Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing. (Camille Passarro, 19th century Impressionist painter)

It’s a gift—the artist’s ability to see things differently from the way the less creative person sees them. Whether it’s a painter, a sculptor, or a building renovator—he or she sees the potential in a scene, a piece of stone, or a run-down house. Acting on their vision of what it could be, they offer beauty and restoration that encourages and benefits the rest of us.

[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)