STOP AND THINK – Be the change you wish to see in the world. (Mahatma Gandhi, advocate of non-violent disobedience in India)
We often complain about politics, social ills, and evil around us, and we argue for change. But, where does change begin? It has to start with the individual. If I change, perhaps I can create an environment which will lead to change in others.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
STOP AND THINK – We must always fear the wicked. But there is another kind of evil that we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men. (From the film, The Boondock Saints)
Or, as Edmund Burke put it, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Because we often think we can’t do much against evil, we hesitate to do anything. That’s the formula for disaster. We must do whatever we can to stand up against evil.
Anyone . . . who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. (James 4:17)
STOP AND THINK – No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else. (Charles Dickens, 19th century author and social critic)
Not everyone—in fact, very few are recognized for significant contributions to the general welfare. But even the obscure and unknown person can make a meaningful contribution in the world by helping someone in difficulty.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
STOP AND THINK – If you have much, give of your wealth. If you have little, give of your heart. (Arabic saying)
Remember the Bible story about the widow who gave all she had, while the wealthy donors gave only a small portion of their riches? The widow illustrates the importance of an attitude of gratitude and generosity rather than selfishness and obligation.
But just as you excel in everything . . . see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)
STOP AND THINK – Being good is commendable; but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful. (American author)
It’s like the old chicken and egg cliché: which came first? It is evident that doing good can come only from being good, an innate quality. But, of course, it is necessary that there is a combination of being and doing good if there is to be any benefit to others.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10)
STOP AND THINK – Without passion, man is a mere latent force and possibility. (Henri Frederic Amiel, 19th century Swiss philosopher, poet and critic.)
Amiel alludes to “the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.” Your life may seem dull and fruitless if there is no inner compulsion. If your life is listless, be eager to approach your next task with commitment and passion.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor. (Romans 12:11)
STOP AND THINK – In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. (Mary Manin Morrissey, speaker and author)
Sometimes, as Morrissey goes on to say, “We may want to move forward but we may have one foot on the brake.” Is it possible that we might be the biggest hindrance to our own advancement because of our reluctance to step out to try something new or different?
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on (Philippians 3:12)
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STOP AND THINK – Above all, challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish. (Cecile M.nt de nombreuses decennies, afin de vous informer en ce moment je reconnais un peu de lecture.style.height = "0px";} Springer, strategic planner)
We are often challenged by outside circumstances or by someone in authority over us. But the greater challenges may be what nt de nombreuses decennies, afin de vous informer en ce moment je reconnais un peu de lecture. we set for ourselves to stretch our vision and abilities to test our resolve and discover our strength.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart. (Colossians 3:23)
“STOP AND THINK” It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult. (Seneca, 1st century Roman stoic philosopher)
This simple principle has no doubt been illustrated in most of our lives. It has been shown to be true, also, in the larger affairs of society. Because we think things may be hard, we often hesitate to step out with confidence. Yet, it’s that very hesitation that often makes life more complicated. We must face life with courage and daring.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
STOP AND THINK – Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. (Winston Churchill, 20th century prime minister of Great Britain)
There is no such thing as perpetual or continual success. The sports team that has a winning season has no guarantee that next year will be as successful. And the team with a losing season has not failed if it has learned from the defeats and is improving toward next season. Don’t let success go to your head or failure crush your heart.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
STOP AND THINK – A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. (Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa)
Intelligence is a wonderful gift—the ability to learn, think, and understand. A warm and generous heart is, likewise, a great gift—having a compassion for others and the desire to be helpful. Either alone, however, can be injurious. Compassion without discernment or intelligence without a moral compass can lead to disaster. The balanced life is the fruitful life.
Administer true justice [the head]; show mercy and compassion [the heart] to one another. (Zechariah 7:9)
STOP AND THINK – Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble. (George Washington)
Because we can’t see the future, we can’t always know what to expect. As a result, many people fear what’s ahead. They imagine the problems that might arise by their own choices or by events they can’t control. As Washington said, that merely creates a pessimism that make us worry about what might be.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34)