GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: March 12, 2026

Leadership

Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers. (Michael Korda, writer and novelist)

We often think that great leaders are men and women of vision. Further, we may suppose that the strategy of forward-thinkers involves intricate means for fulfillment. Korda implies, however, that while good leaders’ dreams may be lofty, plans are simple. They leave the complicated details to their aides. Keep it simple is the maxim of the wise.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer (Proverbs 16:1).

Stop & Think: March 11, 2026

Leadership

If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. (Isaac Newton, 17th-18h century mathematician)

Newton is credited with formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation, notable achievements that have made his name famous. Yet, in the quote above, he demonstrates a great sense of humility. His accomplishments were made possible by other scholars and scientists whose work benefited his. It’s an example we would all do well to follow.

 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good Work with the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Stop & Think: March 10, 2026

Leadership

Leaders don’t create followers—they create more leaders. (Alex Absalom, author and spiritual coach)

We sometimes say that a person is not a leader if no one is following him or her. Good leaders very likely have many devoted followers. But Absalom takes the idea a bit further. Great leaders have followers, of course, but they reproduce themselves in their disciples, who become great leaders too.

Go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Stop & Think: March 9, 2026

Leadership

The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. (Paulo Coehlo, Brazilian author)

Have you noticed that many leaders are often highly opinionated and consider others’ opinions of little value?  They are certain only they know what’s right! We might think, “Please stop talking and show me by how you live and act honorably.” Words are important, but only if they are backed by integrity in behavior.

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend (Proverbs 22:11).

Stop & Think: March 8, 2026

Leadership

Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself. (Thomas J. Watson, late American business leader)

Some people long to be leaders in some arena—sports, politics, education, or business. Often, the ambitious person will pursue education and special training to equip himself to lead others in some worthy endeavor. But no matter how well he does in training others, the real proof of his ability is the way he controls and directs his own life.

Now the [leader] is to be above reproach . . .  temperate, self-controlled, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2).

Stop & Think: March 7, 2026

Leadership

Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. (Voltaire, 18th-century French philosopher)

It’s strange, isn’t it, that in a culture where individual independence is so highly valued, so much intolerance is often shown to those who offer an opinion that is contrary to the current “political correctness”? We should value our highly thought-out opinions and guard them with care, while learning to give those with differing opinions the same privilege.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Stop & Think: March 6, 2026

Leadership

A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference. (Winnie the Pooh, cartoon character)

Most of us think our opinions are right, and we don’t hesitate to say so. But when we don’t think of others before we speak, we may unintentionally offend someone. Careful thought before we speak is important and often prevents us from hurting others. When we value others’ opinions, we may learn something in an exchange of ideas and keep our friends, too.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought. . . . Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:3, 10).

Stop & Think: March 5, 2026

Leadership

No one wants to fail, and my job was to help those around me be successful. If they were successful, I would be successful. (Davis Illingworth, Jr., business executive)

In the self-centered attitude of so many today, personal success is their life’s goal. Too often, it’s of little concern to them how many people may be hurt or “run over” in their climb up the corporate ladder.  Leaders who take Illingworth’s comment to heart are worthy of being followed.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Stop & Think: March 4, 2026

Leadership

Smart people always say smart things. But wise people know when to say nothing at all. (Ed Kang, advisor)

Words, words, words.  News broadcasts, talk shows, discussion panels­—all have “talking heads.”  Often, such settings reveal who’s truly smart and who only thinks they are. Abraham Lincoln said it best: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” So, it’s enlightening to hear wise people who know when to speak and when not to.

The quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish ruler (Ecclesiastes 9:17).

Stop & Think: March 3, 2026

Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. (John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. president)

Some people seem to think they are leaders, but no one is following them. Others are not concerned whether they are recognized as leaders, but, as Adams says, their actions draw others to follow them. It’s essential that we have leaders who, indeed, do inspire us to dream, learn, do and become more than we would do or be without their leadership.

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

Stop & Think: March 2, 2026

Leadership

We get the leaders in the future that we make now. (Randy Smith, Bible teacher)

Great leaders don’t just pop up when we need them. They must be trained, gain experience, and be tested in the workplace. Often, the best place to find them is from among us. Looking outside for leaders may work, but when we grow our future leaders, we’ll know what to expect from their leadership.

So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader; lay your hand on him” (Numbers 27:18).

Stop & Think: March 1, 2026

Leadership

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. (Ken Blanchard, author and motivational speaker)

This month we’re considering the importance of leadership, the ability to influence, guide, and direct others. Sometimes we may think that our authority should be sufficient to motivate our colleagues.  But influence by persuasion, careful counsel and concern will likely accomplish more than merely exercising one’s authority.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good (Romans 13:4).