Weekly Thought – August 1, 2023
Fred opened mental files into which he dropped ideas year by year. There were three friends (two pastors and a national speaker) who had their own folders. Every time he heard, read, or saw something he considered a fit for one of them he fed it into their folder ready for their next visit or phone call. It was fascinating to see him mentally open and “download” the info gathered in the appropriate file. One file he added to over the years was called “there is a difference between.” In one group of notes there are pages of examples covering five years of observation.
There Is A Difference Between
1) There is a difference between the fast and frantic track. Some people go so frantically they don’t recognize they’re going in circles… their pace keeps them from seeing they have passed the same place repeatedly. They are only conscious of speed, not direction.
2) There is quite a difference between hope that is based on something and blind optimism which is not. For example, those people who say, “I could quite drinking any time I want to”, are blindly optimistic; those who quit and say, “I will get over the terrible urge” are hopeful.
3) There’s a difference between a talk and a communication… and it mainly hinges on response. People generally hear a talk; people generally personalize communication and take action.
4) Oswald Chambers points out the difference between “God is love,” and “God is loving.” We define loving, but God defines love.
5) There is a difference between those who take from life and those who get from life. Taking is an aggressive act; getting denotes receiving something offered as a gift. We cannot take blessings from God; we simply accept what He gives – what He chooses for us to get.
6) There is certainly a difference between self-development and self-fulfillment – we develop into a spring of fresh, flowing water; when we focus on fulfillment we too often end in a dead sea. Development is the means to the end of being more capable of helping others; fulfillment is simply the end in itself.
7) There is a difference between a sponsor who will lend you their influence and credibility as you grow and a mentor who will join with you to develop your talents.
8) It is important to know the difference between characters faults and irritating habits. I have a friend who constantly sniffs while he talks (it makes me want to run away!) and one who lies. One is an irritating habit while the others is a character flaw. There is a considerable difference.
9) There is a difference between strong will and stubbornness. The first should be (and usually is) cause oriented; the other reflects self-will.
10) There is a distinct difference between regret, remorse, and repentance.
This week think carefully about: 1) How good am I at making distinctions and recognizing differences? 2) Which one makes me particularly stop and think? 3) What is the role of discernment in a mature life?
Words of Wisdom: “There is a difference between wanting to be right and wanting to be good.”
Wisdom from the Word: “For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;” (Proverbs 2:10 NET Bible)