Weekly Thought – March 20, 2018
Fred’s answer to “what are you thinking about?” was never “nothing.” He thought constantly and consistently. He made lists of ideas, prayer items, and future projects. Life without thought was inconceivable to him. Therefore, when he gathered 17 pages of “daily warm-ups for the race of life,” it was a practical exercise. Here are several more quick thoughts which Fred used as conversation starters.
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Stretching Out Before the Race
1) Corroded Connections. The cares of life often corrode our connections with other people. Hate, spite, revenge, and pettiness cause spiritual corrosion. The other day I noticed that one of the headlights was out on one of our daughters’ cars. I looked at the fuse and saw that it was intact, but noticed some corrosion on the connection. I cleaned it and the light came on. Corrosion had interfered with the current. Harmony and goodwill are more than just pleasantries in the environment, they are vital to our spiritual connection.
2) The Power of Passion. Martin Jurow, the movie producer, told an interviewer that the thing that makes the difference is passion. This works even in a negative context. For example, the dictator Juan Peron said, “Only the fanatics accomplish.” I do not advocate hurtful, hateful passion. But I do believe the idea of balance may be oversold. Those who accomplish greatly do not give equal attention to all areas. A good question always to ask is, “What are you passionate about?”
3) Bridges. How foolish it would be to believe that a bridge would hold whatever load you put on it. Bridges are designed and built for load limits. Similarly, our moral strength won’t be whatever we want it to be, but what we train and build into our character. Therefore, to put ourselves into situations which exceed our moral load limits is unwise and unhealthy.
4) Talented Humility. To me, Pavarotti is a truly humble person. By that I mean he sees his talent as a gift and refers to it as “She.” When someone asked him when he would quit singing he said, “She will tell me.’ By taking the talent which he has and holding it like a Tiffany setting holds a shining diamond, he can be humble toward other people without disparaging his own exceptional gift.
5) Life and Death. In the Christian life there are two principles at work. One is the principle of life which comes at the new birth. The other is the principle of death, which is the old nature as it dies away. The new man of the Spirit is to increase and the old man of the flesh is to decrease.
This week think about: 1) How can I use these quick thought starters in my family, business, and church life? 2) What shows me my new nature is growing and my old nature is diminishing? 3) Who can I engage in meaningful, stimulating conversation this week?
Words of Wisdom: “To put ourselves in situations which exceed our moral load limits is unwise and unhealthy.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Seek the Lord and the strength he gives! Seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11 NET Bible)