The value of achievement lies in the achieving. (Albert Einstein, influential 20th century physicist)
Another way of saying it: “The value of work is the working.” Whatever the accomplishment, honest work is important and is its own reward. According to the Bible, man was created to work, and, in doing so, he most honors his Creator.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for [God], not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. (Epicurus, 4th century B.C. Greek philosopher)
For many in the more affluent societies of the world, the mindset seems to be that having more is a guarantee for happiness. But real wealth is not about what you have in material things but rather what you have in character and integrity. Then, you can be satisfied without wanting more and more.
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Life is an echo; what you send out comes back. (Chinese proverb)
We probably do not fully understand what influence our lives have on others. What we say and do don’t just reflect what we really are, but we may see that reflection in the way others respond to us. Be careful then, how we live.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
Happiness is a spiritual need. And if it's a spiritual need, the filling of that need can only come from God. (Mike Lee, American pastor)
We delight in our right to “pursue happiness.” Yet, happiness is often elusive, difficult to find and hold onto. Jesus spoke about happy people in Matthew 5; He called them “blessed,” which can be understood as “happy.” You can find your happiness in a relationship with God.
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. (Psalm 68:3)
God doesn’t give you what you can handle. He helps you handle what you are given. (Seen on a tee-shirt)
You can see strange quotes on tee-shirts, but sometimes there’s some pretty good theology, too. While not an entirely accurate biblical concept, there is something to learn from this quote. We are not left alone to handle our trials; God is ready to help those who seek Him in genuine faith.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Those who trade liberty for security have neither. (John Adams, 2nd president of the United States)
In days of turmoil, stress, and fear, people are looking for security. When life and possessions are threatened, some look for a deliverer, and they are ready to pay just about any price. But Adams’ warning is significant; you may lose more than you gain.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
A single event can awaken within us a stranger totally unknown to us. To live is to be slowly born. (Antoine de Saint Exupery, French writer and poet)
We think we know ourselves pretty well until something traumatic happens, and we discover another whole personality within us. Perhaps, we explode in anger, or we plan something evil against someone else. As we discover more about ourselves, we come to realize that we need a deep change to become a wholesome, healthy, productive person.
Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3)
In war: resolution; in defeat: defiance; in victory: magnanimity; in peace: good will. (Winston Churchill)
The third is probably the more difficult. To be magnanimous (having a courageous and generous spirit) after struggling to overcome a dangerous foe is not easy. Then, in times of peace, to show good will, especially to those who were recently your enemy, takes help from on high.
Jesus, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28)
Nothing gives one a more spuriously good conscience than keeping rules. (C. S. Lewis, British Christian apologist)
It feels good to play by the rules, doesn’t it? Unless, of course, the rules prevent us from doing something we want to do that’s against the rules. Sometimes, we have a false sense of security because we are good rule-keepers. We forget the spirit of the rules, and we ignore the deeper intentions of doing good, which is to follow the Golden Rule.
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)
Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it. (Elaine St. James, author)
Life in the 21st century has become very complex. We talk about simplifying our lives, but we find it difficult to do. We sometimes find it almost impossible to simplify, to do away with the complexities of modern technology. It takes great determination to simplify, but it’s worth it.
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all happiness and growth occur while you’re climbing it. (Andy Rooney, late television social commentator)
Anticipation is often more gratifying than the realization of a dream, and the effort to achieve the dream may bring greater satisfaction than completing the goal.
Whatever the goal or however difficult the climb, help is available.
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
Regard your sickness as a blessing in disguise – a good and not an evil – a friend and not an enemy. (Author Unknown)
That’s not easy to do, is it? When we’re sick, weak, and hurting, it’s hard to think positively about our condition. But when we’re out of commission, it’s a good time to contemplate what’s really important in life, our eternal and spiritual well-being, for example.
Keep them [the words of wisdom] within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. (Psalm 4:22-23)