Daily Stop & Thinks

Habits

Habits eat willpower for breakfast. (John Ortberg, author)

How long did it take you to forget your New Year’s Resolutions this year? Or maybe more realistically, how many times did you decide to diet or give up some unhealthy practice? How long did those decisions last? Ortberg’s observation is a clever reminder of how difficult it is to break longtime habits. Perhaps you should tape this one on your bathroom mirror.

Turn from your evil ways and stop all your evil practices (Zechariah 1:4).

Leadership

Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge. (Simon Sinek, British-American author)

Too many people see leadership as a position from which to take charge of a task to complete the job. While that may be true at times, effective leaders see their role as a responsibility to care for those in their charge to assure their personal well-being and growth. That kind of management will gain a lot of loyalty and assure a great measure of success.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. (Romans 12:8, 24)

Solitude

All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone, (Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher)

Pascal’s observation seems too simple. We live in a complicated society, and everyone seems too busy to sit quietly for any length of time. Have you tried it lately? Get away alone; put away your cell phone and tablet; avoid social media of every kind and just sit. Most of us have a hard time doing that because our minds rush to all there is to do. Yet, solitude may, indeed, be just what we need to be content.

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31).

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him (Psalm 62:5).

Becoming

The goal is never the goal itself. The goal is who you need to become in order to achieve that goal. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational speaker and author)

It’s a different way of thinking, isn’t it? We usually think that the basic question is what’s the goal, what are we aiming for? A moms’ coach, Katelyn Denning puts it another way, “The best part about setting a goal is who you need to become in order to achieve it.” A worthy goal requires a worthy effort from a person who is, or becomes, all he or she needs to be to succeed.

If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit . . . The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life . . . Walk with the wise and become wise. (Proverbs 9:12; 11:30; 13:20)

Working Together

In joined hands there is still some token of hope; in the clenched fist, none. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French novelist and playwright)

Hugo’s observation would be a help in our modern society where there is so much turmoil. We take sides—usually to extremes—where there is no room to come to a settled compromise. The “clenched fist” could certainly be the identifying logo for public demonstrations and cruel social media comments. Pray that we can find ways to join hands in combating the evils that haunt us.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward (Proverbs 12:14).

Integrity

Often, if there is no risk of loss or painful consequences, one will never know if one has integrity. (Sam Storms, teacher and author)

Storms continues, “One will never know if what motivates you is moral conviction or moral convenience until you are forced to suffer loss for standing your ground or keeping your word.” These words are especially challenging: “Moral conviction or moral convenience.” It may be easier sometimes to give in rather than stand up; that’s where our integrity is tested.

All [God’s] commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity . . . Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord (Psalm 111:7-8; 119:1).

Soul Care

We work, we play…we work, we play–but our spirits are neglected in the cycle. (William Wilberforce, 18th-19th century British statesman)

The 21st century doesn’t seem to be much different. Appearing to be successful, multitudes of businessmen and women are workaholics. They put in many hours of work, and when they take some time off, it’s usually to be involved in fitness or sports activities at great expense and exertion. Many of the same people sense loneliness and frustration for the lack of soul care.

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Kindness

Every act of kindness grows the spirit and strengthens the soul. (Source unknown)

It’s so refreshing in this fast-paced, self-centered world to experience the kindness of another person, whether a friend or stranger. A wall hanging includes this encouragement: “Just imagine how different the world could be if we all spoke to everyone with respect and kindness.” Not only does it affect the other person in good ways, but it also enables our own spirit to flourish.

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body (Proverbs 16:24).

Teamwork

I can do great things you cannot. You can do great things I cannot. Together we can do great things. (Mother Teresa, late religious social advocate)

Another popular saying puts it this way, “Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.” That truth is clearly demonstrated in successful athletic teams, play casts, and music concerts. And it ought to be true in our business, community, and charitable cooperation. Not only do we accomplish more of value, but we find great joy in those working relationships.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (Ephesians 4:16.) 

Positivity

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. (Ziad K. Abdelnour, investment banker)

If you always see the half-empty cup or the mud surrounding the flower, you may have difficulty seeing the good in people or events that are not quite perfect. We want people to be at their best, and we’re disappointed when a game or concert we paid to see, is less than excellent. But, if we continually see the negative, we will miss the blessing of the good we’ve overlooked.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Anger

Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind. (Robert Green Ingersoll, 19th century American orator)

An unknown writer observed: “It’s a child’s reaction to an adult situation. And still another: “Anger is one letter short of danger.” If all that is true, why is anger such a prevalent response in modern communication and interaction? The Bible notes that “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back (Prov. 29:11). Mature adults are careful not to lose their way in anger.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26).

At Peace

Until you make peace with who you are you will never be content with what you [have]. (Doris Mortman, bestselling author)

We’ve all known people who seem to want to be different from what they appear to be. Although they may have a good job, a contented family life, and a healthy lifestyle, they are discontent, wishing they were like some successful athlete, entertainer, or community leader. But as Mortman notes, peace is not in what you have but in what you can be as your true self.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have (Philippians 4:11).