Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – To avoid criticism: say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Russell Moore, American evangelical theologian)

We live in a very critical culture, which can be good or bad. Critical thinking is good; we must not give in to easy intellectualism without critical thought. On the other hand, to view everything and everyone with a critical spirit is counterproductive. We can avoid such criticism by saying and doing nothing, but we can’t have any influence for good that way.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. (John 7:24)

STOP AND THINK – If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. (quoted by Jim Brown, American pastor)

Many books have been written about leadership, but here’s a simple proposition: lead by doing. It isn’t so much what you say or how well you plan your strategy—all of which is important, but maybe your followers simply need to see you stepping out and doing it. Show them something to follow.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. (Proverbs 4:11)

STOP AND THINK – We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when adults are afraid of the light. (Plato, 4th-5th century B. C. philosopher)

A night light gave us a sense of security and safety when we were little and left alone in a dark bedroom. We were glad for the light then. But, do you remember when you first did something you knew your parents wouldn’t approve of? You did it hidden away somewhere, didn’t you? People prefer to do their evil deeds in the dark, strong evidence of their wrong.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

STOP AND THINK – The fruit of the tree speaks volumes about the nature of the tree itself. (Alan Hirsh and Tim Catchim, American authors)

A botanist can identify a tree’s genus by his observations: bark, sap, color, growth patterns, etc. But even a scientifically untrained observer can usually identify a tree by its fruit. It’s so with people, too. Our appearance may not identify us easily, but our behavior certainly will. So, be careful about what you say and do if you want to be recognized for worth and value.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:18, 20)

STOP AND THINK – The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back. (Abigail van Buren, 20th century American advice columnist)

How you treat people who can benefit you or those who have no ability to harm you is not a good test of your integrity. It’s when you act without regard to “what’s in it for you” or “he can’t hurt me no matter what I do” that reveals the strength and consistency of your character.

The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. (Psalm 7:8)

STOP AND THINK – Opportunity never arrives. It’s here! (Author unknown)

If you’re waiting for just the right opportunity to knock on your door, you may have a long wait. There many opportunities all around you. Just look for work or avocations to meet your talents and desires. Or, maybe you’ll just have to create your own. As Francis Bacon said, “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men. (Galatians 6:10)

STOP AND THINK – Nobody can hurt me without my permission. (Mahatma Gandhi)

We’ve all known a few people who seem to have their feelings hurt very easily. The slightest misunderstanding will offend them. It may be difficult to manage, but in reality, we can be hurt by others only if we let them do so. Trying to understand their perspective or over-looking their intention, will help us stand strong in our own sense of self-worth.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)

STOP AND THINK – Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. (H. L. Mencken, 20th century American journalist)

God has created us with minds that can accumulate knowledge but also can soar with imagination and creativity. We have more than just brains; we also have hearts that bring meaning and emotion to our lives. Let’s not be satisfied with mere intellectual achievement. Let’s remember that love can add to what is lacking in mere knowledge without heart.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 3:3)

STOP AND THINK – The two engines that drive communication [are] having something to say and being able to say it in sentences that aren’t half dead. (Thomas Merton, 20th century Anglo-American social activist and poet)

When someone is talking on and on without getting to the point, we may be tempted to interrupt to ask, “While you’re talking, why don’t you say something?” It’s essential not just to talk but to say something worthwhile and, as Merton points out, say it with feeling and enthusiasm. Then, you’ll very like be heard.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Proverbs 20:15)

STOP AND THINK – A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. (Mahatma Gandhi, 20th century nationalist in India)

History has demonstrated that nations that mistreat or ignore the weak will eventually collapse, On the other hand, nations that support the weak, attempting to lift them out of their impoverished lifestyle, flourish with benefit to all levels of society. Are you doing your part to help?

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. (Psalm 82:3)

STOP AND THINK – Create as much Heaven on Earth as possible with everyone near and dear. (Inspiration Line)

Chelle Thompson, editor of Inspiration Line, wrote: “My grandma was always ‘biding her time’ until she could get to Heaven. In the meantime, her life was fairly miserable and she treated my mother abusively.” That’s how she learned the lesson quoted above. While we wait for heaven, we should act like its citizens, encouraging and building up others.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

STOP AND THINK – We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States)

What makes you feel secure? In what are you putting your hope? A retirement fund? Savings accounts? Possessions? Inheritance? The Bible tells us that those who put their faith in the monetary system, those who put their hope in wealth, and those who put their trust in material possessions are really bankrupt today and empty-handed for eternity.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4)