Daily Stop & Thinks

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).

Worry

No amount of regretting can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. (Roy T. Bennett, author)

It’s obvious, isn’t it? Yet, we often recall one experience or the other: sorrowing over past mistakes or fretting about tomorrow. Some life-lessons are just hard to learn. We keep repeating our errors even when we know better. It’s important to have really good friends whose positive view of life and compassion for us will help us live in the present with hope for the future.

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries (Matthew 6:24).

But I am trusting you, O Lord . . .  My future is in your hands (Psalm 31:14, 15).

A Better Way

Love is a better teacher than duty. (Albert Einstein, renowned scientist)

You wouldn’t think it would take a great mind, like Einstein’s, to discover this truth. Most parents and teachers know it, too. The truth became clear, probably, after trying it the other way. Encouraging students because we care has much better success than when we coerce learners to do their homework or complete a difficult assignment just because they have to.

O Lord . . .  teach me your decrees . . . I am your servant . . . teach me your decrees . . . Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. (Psalm 119:64, 124, 135)

Competition

You should only compete with one person: yourself. (Herbert Lui, author)

Lui continues: “Life is a competition, but it’s not a race against anyone else. Rather, the real journey is only against yourself and unrealized potential.” Most young people who like sports want to win so badly it’s all they can think about. They’re continually planning how to beat the other guy. Youthful competition is temporary, but the real goal is to reach your full potential.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Communication

Superficiality is the curse of our age. (Richard Foster, theologian and author)

“Hi, how are you?” is a common greeting when friends meet. This is just a thoughtless greeting, and you aren’t asking because you really want to know how they are. So, the response is often just as rote: “Fine, how are you?” Both are merely superficial. More intensive communication requires significant questions, looking for a deeper response and meaningful, helpful interaction.

Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

Excuses

You will get what you want when you stop making excuses about why you don’t have it. (Source unknown)

Excuses come easily, don’t they? We don’t have what we want because we don’t have enough money or time or support, the list is endless. We may claim that others have an unfair advantage of resources or position we don’t have. Rather than recount our excuses, we would do better to evaluate our abilities and opportunities.  They will be the best source for achieving our goals.

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Courage

Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others. (Winston Churchill, late British prime minister)

Courage may be demonstrated by a soldier in a dangerous war situation. But it is also a quality that can and should be seen in normal, everyday life. Coming to the aid of someone being bullied. Or speaking up when someone is being wrongly attacked verbally. Are there times when we have lacked the courage to step up to help when all we really needed was a little courage?

This is my command—be strong and courageous! (Joshua 1:9)

Wanting to Be Liked

What happens when you are obsessed with getting people to like you? (David Powlison, late counselor and editor)

That’s a very important question, and Powlison offers a thought-provoking answer: “You become flirtatious or artificial, a coward or a deceiver, a chameleon or a recluse.” Wanting to be liked by people is normal for all of us. No one wants to be disliked. The best way is to live a life of honesty and humility, which will attract genuine friends who like you for who you really are.

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend (Proverbs 22:11).