Ten Significant Thoughts
This the second edition of preparing extraordinary thoughts that could have an impact on our lives. Some are from the Bible and others from a wide range of sources. Think about each one.
- “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Paul is giving us a definition of love by giving us examples. If we act with love, it will be evident to others. If our actions are outside of these characteristics, we must assume responsibility for acting without love. Action without love will likely have its undesired consequences.
- “As long as we live, there is never enough singing.”Martin LutherSinging tends to bring out the best in us. We are expressing ourselves in beautiful ways.
- “If everyone had the same level of honesty and forthrightness that wehave, would this be a better world?Anonymous If our level of honesty and forthrightness is high and in keeping with the teaching of Jesus, this could be a wonderful world assuming there is also love and faith.
- “There is beauty all around us – trees, grass, flowers, mountains, meadows, people, horses, bridges, buildings, sunshine, rain, grain growing, art works, photos, rainbows, rocks, churches, museums, seas, lakes, smiles, friendships, and many more.We have the opportunity to either enjoy them or ignore them.”Anonymous Do we appreciate these great attributes of God’s world? Beauty and function are all around us.
- “A puzzle, either in real life or out of a box, is an enigma – we can make our best effort to solve it or we can walk away without any benefit from a puzzle solved.” AnonymousOne of our satisfactions in life is a job well done.If we only pick the easy puzzles, our level of satisfaction will be in proportion to it. If we choose to tackle the difficult challenges of life, we might not succeed but we will know of an honorable effort.
- “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”John F. KennedyWe can either try to catch up to change or we can be part of the force that creates the direction of change.
- “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul is warning us that we will be known by the company we keep. That company is likely to have more impact on us than we do on the company. As a result, bad company will lead to misfortune.
- “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.”John F. KennedyOne wise observer said that if there is a third world war, the fourth world war will be fought with sticks. Greed and national pride led to the first two world wars and is harshly present today. It is up to those who love peace to prevent the next world war.
- “Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences.”Robert Louis StevensonThere are times when we escape the consequences of evil and foolish actions but the consequences tend to live on. The most severe consequence can be a sense of guilt.
- “Never tell people how to do things.Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”Reportedly said by General George S. Patton There are many ways to do a good thing. When the primary goal is clear and when individual ingenuity is encouraged, individuals take ownership and responsibility for doing their part in reaching that goal.
There is much to contemplate in these statements and even more when we apply them to our everyday lives. Find a quiet place to contemplate.
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STUDY QUESTIONS
- Pick any of the ten statements above and write out how this applies to your life.
- Does #10 always work?If not, what factors enter the picture?
- Look at each of the characteristics of love Paul gives us in #1 above.Then list them and alongside each comment on how well this describes you.
Kenneth Oosting, Ph D
