Daily Stop & Thinks

Stories

Storytelling—in songs, paintings, films, and books—is perhaps the most important way we learn about our world. (Eric Metaxas, radio host and author)

Metaxas has told fascinating stories of men like Reformer Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, World War II pastor and martyr. He also authored children’s books and videos, using stories to teach important life lessons. From bedtime stories of our childhood to current fiction and non-fiction, we are still moved and motivated by good stories. Read one today!

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33).

Truth

Truth is so obscure in these times and falsehood so established, that unless we love the truth, we cannot know it. (Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher)

Apparently not much has changed since Pascal’s 17th century observation. We can’t seem to even trust the “fact-checkers” today. Almost everyone has his own corner on the truth, and it’s obvious that opposite issues cannot both be true. We each must be responsible to really want to know the truth and search for and share it carefully.

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment (Proverbs 23:23).

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6).

Today

This moment isn’t meant to be a destination but a preparation . . .  (Paul David Trip, author)

Sometimes we think that what we’re doing today is the most important issue of life without realizing what happens today is critical to tomorrow’s success, too. Tripp was thinking of preparation for a “final destination” with an important other world, spiritual application. But it can have a “this world” practical application, too. Be sure you’re preparing with the end in mind.

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity (Proverbs 21:5).

Truth

A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by the majority. (Booker T. Washington, 19th-20th century educator)

We are living in an upside-down world today where Washington’s comment may be truer than ever. Whether it’s politics, advertising, literature, or entertainment, we’re faced with untruths and deception often in the name of trying to do good. In other words, the ends justify the means. But such behavior leads only to more of the same. Let’s determine what’s true and firmly defend it!

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).

Work Hard

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. (H. Jackson Brown, inspirational author)

We’ve often been counseled not to put off to tomorrow what we can do today. Procrastination has been the downfall of a lot of people who just can’t seem to get started on a project. Brown suggests that when you do finally begin to work, be sure to do your very best. That will prevent having to do the work over and will assure a really good outcome.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (Romans 12:11).

Legacy

No legacy is so rich as honesty. (Shakespeare)

We surely want to leave for our children and grandchildren a legacy of generosity and humility (as noticed in previous comments). Those two, however, will probably not be passed on if we don’t recognize Shakespeare’s idea. It’s hard to imagine that any worthwhile quality can be identified as worthy without recognizing a person’s integrity in everyday life.

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich (Proverbs 28:6). If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones (Luke 16:10).

Legacy

It is more important to be generous than to be wealthy. (Paraphrase of Neil Cole, speaker and author)

More and more Americans are becoming millionaires. For some it’s because of their success as athletes or entertainers. Others have achieved that status because of wise investments and careful attention to detail. A few have hit the jackpot from the lottery. In any case, those who are philanthropic in support of worthy projects leave a legacy more valuable than wealth.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. (Proverbs 3:9; 11:24)

Words

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place but leave unsaid the wrong thing. (Benjamin Franklin)

It’s probably true that every living person has said something they immediately regretted. Unfortunately, we recognize our faux pas just after it’s been said. On the other hand, we’re really glad when we’ve said something of value just when it was needed. It’s more difficult, but equally important to learn to keep quiet when silence is better than words.

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent (Proverbs 17:28).

Words

The raw material of language is to the mind what chewing gum is to the jaw. (Paraphrase of Antonin Scalia, late Supreme Court justice)

Words, words, words! We’re besieged with text messages, blogs, podcasts, and “talking heads.” It’s more than the mind can digest, but Justice Scalia paints a word-picture that could help us make sense of the constant flow of words. As a cow chews her cud to digest her food, so we must take the time and effort to pay attention to words and grasp their significance.

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain (Proverbs 10:11). And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak (Matthew 12:36).

Experience

Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterwards. (Oscar Wilde, 19th century playwright)

We might wish it weren’t true, but we have to admit that experience is often the best teacher. Unfortunately, as Wilde suggests, we can’t prepare in advance for life’s unexpected events. Even if it’s unpleasant, we can profit from it if we’ll learn the lesson such experiences can teach. Consider what changes it should lead to as you go on.

The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old (Proverbs 20:29).

Adversity

It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, German airline executive)

They say that in every life a little rain must fall. Rain is a necessary element, but we often see it as a metaphor for problems and discouragement. And it’s true that everyone faces adversity at some time, so Uchtdorf’s observation is helpful. We can’t always control the difficulties of life, but we can control our attitude. Accept adversity with grace and move forward with confidence.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2).

Family

The web of this nation is made from the thread spun in the home. (Billy Sunday, late evangelist)

In his time, Sunday preached against alcohol, drugs, and immorality with a strong voice and wide acceptance. Today when the traditional family is under attack, his comment may be counter-cultural, but it is an essential principle to reconsider. We should model a healthy family for the benefit of our children and society in general.

The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm (Proverbs 12:7).