Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision. (William James, 19th-20th century American philosopher)

It’s good to develop habits that promote good health (exercise, flossing your teeth), and learning (reading, study), etc. And bad habits should be avoided, of course, like continually refusing to make decisions, waiting until the “right” moment, or leaving it to someone else. Such indecision leads to idleness and unhappiness.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. (Proverbs 8:10)

STOP AND THINK – Always laugh when you can. It’s cheap medicine. (Lord Byron, 19th century English romantic poet)

Do you remember the last time you had a really good, a belly-shaking guffaw? They are all too few nowadays, it seems. Remember how good you felt after such an outburst? While we may not want to have such an ostentatious display of humor too often, at least a good laugh once in a while would be a welcome relief from the day’s pressures, wouldn’t it?

A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22)

STOP AND THINK – Wherever you are, be all there. (Jim Elliot, 20th century missionary martyr)

Life today offers a multitude of distractions. It’s often hard to concentrate on the business at hand. Elliot, no doubt, was thinking of his role in a cross-cultural ministry. You can’t be working in a foreign country, for example, and be constantly thinking of the way things were “back home.” Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, be sure you’re “all there.”

A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8)

STOP AND THINK – A friend is someone who knows all about you, but loves you anyway. (Source unknown)

How many true friends do you have? The one who discards you and walks away when times are hard is called a “fair-weather friend.” But the person who sticks with you when difficulties arise or others are putting you down—that’s a real friend, one who, as the Bible says, is “closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity . . . and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 17:17; 27:9)

STOP AND THINK – The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious. (Martin Luther, German monk and early leader in the Protestant Reformation)

Have you ever given to someone for the wrong reason? Perhaps a bridal shower or wedding or graduation gift because you felt like you had to? A gift is more meaningful and valued when it is given out of a heart of appreciation and friendship. Perhaps more precious are the gifts of time, conversation, and warm fellowship from a heart of love and caring.

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7)

STOP AND THINK – Example is always more effective than teaching. (Samuel Johnson, 18th century English writer and lexicographer)

Are you concerned about today’s youth? Tests have shown that our teens are not doing well academically. And the moral climate has certainly deteriorated as well. Has anyone ever thought that the answer to this enormous problem might be that what students need are good examples? Teachers, parents, friends—all must teach by being examples worth following.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (Titus 2:7-8)

STOP AND THINK – My wish isn’t to mean everything to everyone but something to someone. (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18th and 19th century German writer and politician)

Many people want to live a significant life and influence multitudes of people, perhaps as a politician, entertainer, or athlete. That’s not an unworthy goal, but not many will achieve such stature. But, we all can have influence on someone, perhaps our children or fellow workers. It should be our purpose to stimulate those around us to self-improvement.

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

STOP AND THINK – Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another. (John C. Maxwell)

What makes a person a good leader? We’ve all known people who have risen to high position and have impressive titles, but who in reality are not good leaders. It’s not position but the ability to recruit and wisely use followers that makes for success. The good leader has a positive and challenging influence on those who work with him.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account (Hebrews 13:17)

STOP AND THINK – There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them. (Denis Waitley, motivational speaker and author)

Life is sometimes pretty hard. When tough times come, how do we respond? Some feel victimized with a “there’s nothing I can do about it” attitude. It’s easy to give in, but that doesn’t help. How much better to say, “That’s tough, but it’s up to me to work this thing out and find a way to improve this situation.”

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12)

STOP AND THINK – Time is not measured by clocks, but by moments. (Source unknown)

We’re living in a rush-rush society where time is king. We follow rigid schedules; we check timetables and plan everything to the precise minute. As a result, we sometimes miss the opportunity to enjoy the moment. As they say, “Take time to smell the roses.” Later on, when we look back on our lives, it will be moments we cherish, not the time details.

Be very careful, then, how you live . . . making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16)

STOP AND THINK – It is one of those beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist and poet)

Learning to think of others and their needs and desires before we think of our own is a practice of maturity and difficult to achieve. But, as Emerson suggests, there is a benefit in serving others. Our good intentions and actions may bring greater satisfaction and fulfillment to us than even to those we’re helping.

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2).

STOP AND THINK – Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. (Albert Schweitzer, 19th-20th century German/French medical missionary)

The Bible teaches that a gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). It is often difficult for us, however, to reply softly or gently when we’re faced with someone’s anger. We’re inclined to respond in kind, only aggravating a hard situation. How much better it would be if we could all learn to answer quietly.

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)