GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: June 16, 2026

Integrity

Integrity is like the weather: Everybody talks about it, but nobody knows what to do about it. (Stephen L. Carter, legal scholar)

We really do talk a lot about the weather, don’t we? —especially after a hard winter and a long-delayed spring.  Yet, there’s little we can do about it except to prepare for it. Do we talk about character much? Maybe not, but when we do, we should realize that achieving wisdom and character is far more important than hoping for better weather.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)

Stop & Think: June 15, 2026

Integrity

As we become people of character and integrity, we’re committed to being honest even when we don’t have to be honest. (Mike Lee, former pastor)

We admire the stories of “Honest Abe,” 16th president of the United States. Those anecdotes illustrate a quality that often seems to be lacking today. But, as Lee points out, honesty is the result of character and integrity. If we’re not honest when “we don’t have to be,” we will very likely be dishonest when we should be truthful and candid.

The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly (Proverbs 16:13).

Stop & Think: June 14, 2026

Integrity

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong (James Bryce, British historian)

It’s Flag Day in the U. S, and it’s good to be reminded that honoring the flag is more than just waving it in parades or hanging it on your front porch. It’s a matter of integrity, too. It’s living in such a way that honors the principles the flag represents: loyalty, purity, and unity. They are qualities we should all strive to demonstrate in our interactions with our community.

For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it (Proverbs 2:21).

Stop & Think: June 13, 2026

Integrity

Integrity characterizes the entire person, not just part of him. He is righteous and honest through and through. He is not only that inside, but also in outer action. (Kent Hughes, Canadian sports professional)

Some people like to compartmentalize their lives. They want to separate family, work, hobbies—even faith. Integrity, however, must be the basis of every aspect of life, or it isn’t integrity at all. What we really are in our minds and hearts will be reflected in how we live. Are you learning to integrate integrity fully into your life?

. . . our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action (1 John 3:18).

Stop & Think: June 12, 2026

Integrity

One’s mere word should be as trustworthy as a signed agreement attested by legal witnesses. (Curtis Vaughan, late professor and author)

Why are legally complex contracts necessary today when once you needed only a handshake or a man’s promise? That could only be true if the character of those making the contract was beyond reproach. Their reputations guaranteed the fulfillment of their promise. Regrettably, such integrity seems all too scarce in modern society.

Truth and integrity will preserve me while I wait for You (Psalm 25:21).

Stop & Think: June 11, 2026

Integrity

The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty. (Zig Ziglar, late motivational speaker)

We should ask ourselves, “How many of those six ‘foundation stones’ are characteristic of my behavior and attitudes?” It might be said that five of them are a pretty good definition of the third one—character. An honest person who demonstrates integrity and loyalty while practicing faith and love would certainly be recognized as a person of sterling character.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Stop & Think: June 10, 2026

Integrity

Leadership is not a skill. It’s character. (Mark Divine, American author)

Divine goes on to say, “Successful, happy, and fulfilled people embody core values such as honor, courage, and commitment to personal excellence.” And he emphasizes that “Real leaders command from the heart.” We seem to think that leadership can be learned by applying rules from a book, but it’s deeper than that. It must come from the integrity of one’s character.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. . . . The integrity of the upright guides them (Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 11:3).

Stop & Think: June 9, 2026

Integrity

The garden of the heart must be tended with great care. (William Wilberforce, British statesman)

Wilberforce understood that it’s what is inside a person that determines what he does. He also said, “Life is confusing. What was to be our highest pursuit is lost as our hearts and minds become consumed by lesser issues.” Outside influences can affect one’s heart and mind, so recognize that what is essential is a heart of integrity.

As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person (Proverbs 27:19).

Stop & Think: June 8, 2026

Integrity

It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. (J. K. Rowling, British author)

We admire talented people—Olympic stars, great orators, and artists of various kinds. We’re often in awe of their accomplishments and think they are the result of their natural talents. But is their athletic or artistic ability the true evidence of their character—who they really are? It isn’t our talents and abilities; it’s how we choose to live that’s most critical.

The integrity of the upright guides them (Proverbs 11:3).

Stop & Think: June 7, 2026

Integrity

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. (Epictetus, 1st century Greek philosopher)

This ancient principle is much needed in the 21st century. After all, what you are pretty well determines what you do. In that sense, being may be more important than doing. If we were to emphasize character development and integrity, perhaps the people of our generation would involve themselves in more worthy, noble pursuits.

Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect (Proverbs 21:21).

Stop & Think: June 6, 2026

Integrity

There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. (Source unknown)

We’re always looking for keys—the key to success, the key to riches, the key to lasting love, and, of course, the key to happiness. Like so many other doors whose keys we’re searching for, there are no magic formulas, no secret signs. The real key is within ourselves. Develop integrity in a relationship with God, and the door to happiness will open wide.

The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure (Isaiah 33:6).

Stop & Think: June 5, 2026

Integrity

The one thing you can give and still keep is your word. (Church sign board)

It used to be said that “a man’s word was his bond,” that is, you could trust a person to do what he promised to do. It’s a question of integrity and character. There isn’t much in life that you can give away and keep it at the same time. But when you give your word and then keep it, everyone wins. So, keep a guard on your lips and speak with honesty and good intent.

But most of all . . . never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no (James 5:12).