Author Archives: Morris Hull

Bible Verses Related to Cautiousness

Spend an evening (or several) looking at just one of these verses at a time. Discuss with your family what each verse or story teaches about the character quality; and give vital application of how this quality can be applied to your family. Choose several verses to memorize together as a family during the month. Since the English word “cautiousness” does not appear in the Authorized Version, we have included a list of verses which relate to this important character quality.

  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  • Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame. {presently: Heb. in that day}
  • Proverbs 14:29 [He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly. {hasty…: Heb. short of spirit}
  • Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.
  • Proverbs 16:25 `There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
  • Proverbs 16:32 [He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
  • Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
  • Proverbs 19:2 Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. {discretion: or, prudence}
  • Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.
  • Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
  • Proverbs 29:20 Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him. {words: or, matters?}
  • Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. {thing: or, word}
  • Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
  • Isaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
  • John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
  • John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
  • John 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
  • James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

 

Hymns and Choruses Related to Cautiousness

  • Will Jesus Find Us Watching? (Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915)
  • Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart (Ernest O. Sellers, 1869-1952)
  • God’s Final Call (John W. Petterson, 1921)
  • Yield Not to Temptation (Horatio R. Palmer, 1834-1907)
  • My Soul, Be on Thy Guard (George Heath, 1750-1822)

 

The Price of a Comma

A woman touring Europe cabled her husband the following message: “Have found wonderful bracelet. Price seventy-five thousand dollars. May I buy it?”

Her husband immediately responded with the message: “No, price too high.” However, the telegraph operator missed one small detail in his transmission – the signal for a comma after the word “No.”

The wife in Europe received the reply: “No price too high.” Elated by the good news, she bought the bracelet. When she returned to the united states and showed the new bracelet to her shocked husband, he filed a lawsuit against the telegraph company…and won!

From that point on, telegraph rules required operators to spell out punctuation rather than use symbols. No price was too high to avoid the same mistake.

Character First! Series 4

George Washington Carver

As a young boy, George Washington Carver learned the importance of not neglecting work and study to enjoy his love of nature and painting. This thoroughness in keeping his priorities straight later paid off when he became a botanist and chemist.

As the professor of agriculture at the Tuskegee Institute, he was approached by farmers asking him to help them restore their depleted fields to productivity. After careful research, he found that peanuts would be the best crop to plant. However, when the peanuts were harvested, the farmers found there was no market for their abundant crop. Feeling responsible, Professor Carver determined to create a market and go all the way in helping the farmers. After only two days, he found twenty new uses for the peanut. Not satisfied with this, he continued researching throughout his lifetime, discovering over three hundred uses for the peanut, including peanut butter!
Achieving True Success

Family Activities to Practice Thoroughness

1. With your child, make a written plan for the day. Include information about where, when, and how. At the end of your day see how well you were able to follow the plan. Discuss how you might have done better. Point out the things that went smoothly because of your planning.

2. When giving your child a task to complete, discuss the importance of thoroughness. Talk about the importance of doing a job well. Talk about how they feel when the task is completed accurately and completely.

3. To help your child develop a skill for paying attention to detail play the following game. Use picture flash cards, pictures taken from a magazine, or other resources. Let your child look at the picture for about five seconds. Turn the picture over, so they can no longer look at the picture. Ask them to describe the picture to you, giving as much detail as they can. Check to see how much they did remember.

How to Demonstrate Thoroughness

at Home

  • Avoiding leaving appliances partially fixed or tools broken.
  • Cleaning under furniture and behind shelves.
  • Sons and daughters calling home when they are out too late.
  • Family members having a system of receiving phone messages and passing them on accurately.

at Work/School

  • Sons and daughters completing their homework using legible handwriting.
  • Making a daily “to do” list of projects that need to be done.

at Church

  • Using concordances and other study tools to assist in personal Bible study or lesson preparation.
  • Making sure you have adequate time to thoroughly prepare your Sunday School lessons.
  • Tithing regularly on your gross income.

Character Definitions of Thoroughness

  • Learning what details are important to the success of a project. Taking time and effort to validate facts before discussing a matter (Character Clues Game)
  • Carrying out each task in preparation for God’s personal approval and inspection (The Power for True Success)
  • Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words, if neglected (Character First!)

Bible Verses Related to Thoroughness

07235 hbr rabah raw-baw’

a primitive root; TWOT-2103,2104; v

AV-multiply 74, increase 40, much 29, many 28, more 12, great 8, long 3, store 2, exceedingly 2, greater 2, abundance 2, misc 24; 226

1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)

1a2) to be or grow great

1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make much, make many, have many

1c1a) to multiply, increase

1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly

1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly

1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much

2) (Qal) to shoot

  • Genesis 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply <07235>, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply <07235> in the earth.
  • 2 Kings 10:18 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much <07235>.
  • 2 Kings 21:6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much <07235> wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
  • Psalms 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied <07235> that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
  • Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great <07235>.
  • Psalms 44:12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase <07235> thy wealth by their price.
  • Psalms 49:16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased <07235>;
  • Psalms 51:2 Wash me throughly <07235> from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
  • Psalms 71:21 Thou shalt increase <07235> my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
  • Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time <07235> turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
  • Psalms 107:38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied <07235> greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
  • Psalms 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous <07235> redemption.
  • Psalms 139:18 If I should count them, they are more in number <07235> than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
  • Proverbs 4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many <07235>.
  • Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many <07235> gifts.
  • Proverbs 9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied <07235>, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
  • Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase <07235>.
  • Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase <07235> his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
  • Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much <07235> honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
  • Proverbs 28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth <07235> his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase <07235>.
  • Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority <07235>, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
  • Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied <07235>, transgression increaseth <07235>: but the righteous shall see their fall. 

08316 hprs s@rephah ser-ay-faw’

from 08313; TWOT-2292c; n f

AV-burning 9, burn 3, throughly 1; 13

1) burning

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly <08316>. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Deuteronomy 29:23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning <08316>, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
  • 2 Chronicles 16:14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning <08316> for him. 

08254 lqv shaqal shaw-kal’

a primitive root; TWOT-2454; v

AV-weigh 14, pay 4, throughly 1, receive 1, receiver 1, spend 1; 22

1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to weigh

1a2) to weigh out (a price)

1a3) of grief (fig)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be weighed

1b2) to be weighed out

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed <08254> to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • Exodus 22:17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay <08254> money according to the dowry of virgins.
  • 2 Samuel 18:12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive <08254> a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
  • Job 6:2 Oh that my grief were throughly <08254> weighed <08254>, and my calamity laid in the balances together! 

05953 lle ‘alal aw-lal’

a primitive root; TWOT-1627, 1627b, 1628; v

AV-glean 4, done 3, abuse 3, mock 2, affecteth 1, children 1, do 1, defiled 1, practise 1, throughly 1, wrought wonderfully 1, wrought 1; 20

1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone

1a) (Poel) to act severely

1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with

1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through)

1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)

2) (Poel) to glean

3) (Poel) to act or play the child

4) (Poel) to insert, thrust, thrust in, thrust upon

  • Exodus 10:2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought <05953> in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.
  • Leviticus 19:10 And thou shalt not glean <05953> thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
  • Numbers 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked <05953> me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
  • Jeremiah 6:9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly <05953> glean <05953> the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets. 

03190 bjy yatab yaw-tab’

a primitive root; TWOT-863; v

AV-well 35, good 21, please 14, merry 5, amend 4, better 4, accepted 2, diligently 2, misc 20; 107

1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be glad, be joyful

1a2) to be well placed

1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with

1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to make glad, rejoice

1b2) to do good to, deal well with

1b3) to do well, do thoroughly

1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful

1b5) to do well, do right

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well <03190>, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well <03190>, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well <03190> with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated <03190> Abram well <03190> for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Jeremiah 7:5 For if ye throughly <03190> amend <03190> your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; 

1245 diakayarizw diakatharizo dee-ak-ath-ar-id’-zo

from 1223 and 2511; ; v

AV-throughly purged 2; 2

1) to cleanse thoroughly

  • Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge <1245> his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
  • Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge <1245> his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. 

1822 exartizw exartizo ex-ar-tid’-zo

from 1537 and a derivative of 739; TDNT-1:475,80; v

AV-accomplish + 1096 1, thoroughly furnish 1; 2

1) to complete, finish

1a) to furnish perfectly

1b) to finish, accomplish, (as it were, to render the days complete)

  • Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished <1822> those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
  • 2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished <1822> unto all good works.

Other Bible Verses Related to the Quality of Thoroughness

  • Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.
  • 2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
  • Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
  • Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Hymns and Choruses Related to Thoroughness

  • Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960)
  • Jesus Paid It All (Elvina M. Hall, 1820-1889)
  • Cleanse Me (J. Edwin Orr, 1912-19??)
  • The Bible Stands (Haldor Lillenas, 1885-1959)
  • More Like the Master (Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932)
  • Wonderful Grace of Jesus (Haldor Lillenas, 1885-1959)
  • Give of Your Best to the Master (Howard B. Grose, 1851-1939)
  • Is Your All on the Altar? (Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1929)
  • Trust, Try, and Prove Me (Lida S. Leech, 1873-1962)
  • All for Jesus (Mary D. James, 19th century)
  • I Surrender All (Judson W. Van de Venter, 1855-1939)

Personal Evaluation – How flexible are you?

  • When plans are changed, do you get discouraged, or do you immediately look for reasons why the new plans are better?
  • Do you quickly adjust to a change of direction, or does it require time for you to mentally or emotionally adjust?
  • When you learn that you must move, does it cause anxiety in you, or do you rejoice in it as a further reminder that you are a stranger and a pilgrim?
  • Do your parents or employers have to explain instructions twice, or do you understand what they mean the first time?
  • When God calls you to a ministry or work, do you resist and make yourself busy with other activities?
  • When others suggest a better way to do something, do you try it or do you keep doing it the way you had been doing it?
  • Do you misuse flexibility by having no daily plans or life goals?
  • Is your life so encumbered with possessions and debt that it would be impractical or impossible to exercise flexibility at the leading of the Lord?
  • Are the thoughts of your heart in harmony with the will of God so that changes are easy transitions?

– taken from The Power for True Success – How to Build Character in Your Life

The Monkey’s Clenched Fist

In North Africa the natives have a very easy way to capture monkeys. A gourd, with a hole just sufficiently large so that a monkey can thrust his hand into it, is filled with nuts and fastened firmly to a branch of a tree at sunset. During the night a monkey will discover the scent of food, and its source, and will put his hand into the gourd and grasp a handful of nuts.  But the hole is too small for the monkey to withdraw his clenched fist, and he has not sense enough to let go of his bounty so that he may escape. Thus he pulls and pulls without success, and when morning comes he is quickly and easily taken.

Boy Still Standing on The Inside

A mother repeatedly told her little boy to sit down. The boy continued to stand, disobeying his mother. Finally, the mother went to him and forced him down in a chair. The boy said, “I may be sitting down on the outside, but on the inside I’m still standing up!”

Encyclopaedia of 7,700 Illustrations

Adapting One’s Self to Circumstances

Very few men and women can adapt themselves to all circumstances. They may adapt themselves to some circumstances, but not to all. Lazy, shiftless people have the poorest faculty to do this; enterprising, successful men and women can do it readily, for it is one of the conditions for success. They are obliged to make the best of things, bitter though the experience may be, and so they must accept the situation day by day. To sit down and lament and lose heart under any circumstances is to give up the race of life.

There lies before me a Maine woman’s description of her pioneer life in the valley of the Penobscot. She says:-

“Trees were big ones in those days, and husband could not pile them alone, and we had no neighbours with whom we could exchange works, so he used to help me in the morning about the house, and then we went out into the clearing. Husband would get one end of a log well up on the pile and then I used to put a handspike under that and hold it until he could pry up the other end. I made all the cloth we had; made a year’s sweetening from maple syrup. I knit mittens, socks, shirts, and drawers, and even made cloth caps and my own bonnet.”

She was happy, with all the privations of her pioneer life, but she might have been otherwise, and she might have made her husband wretched, too; She had a capital opportunity to accomplish both. Many women would have been miserable in the circumstances, for the want of this excellent faculty of adapting themselves to circumstances. She possessed this quality in a high degree, and her humble home in the woods had as much real enjoyment in it as was ever found in a palace, and probably more.

But the mass of young people, and older ones as well, are not living pioneer lives. They dwell were society is settled, its manners and customs fixed. And yet they have as much need of the quality under discussion as pioneers in order that social life may be enjoyed at its best. There is no day when its possession will not result in good. In the most common walks of life as well as in the most select, its use is constantly demanded. For example, a Christian woman was in affluent circumstances. Her husband was able to provide her with all the servants she desired, and with all the comforts and even the elegances of a city home. But unexpectedly and suddenly he lost his property, and his business, too. “I can support the family by keeping boarders,” suggested the lady. Her husband imposed objections to that, as it might impair her health. “I have no doubt that it will do me good,” she replied laughing. “Well, you take a philosophic view of the matter, I must confess,” continued her husband; “You do not seem to be very much troubled with your new experience.” “Why should I be troubled?” responded the wife. “I have no doubt that it will turn out for the best in the end; that is the way things do when we endeavour to make them turn out for the best.” Such a disposition is a fortune to a man or woman; it is really success itself, at least on one line.

There is much disappointment, chagrin, and failure among men for the want of this ability to accept the situation. We see it in the common walks of life, among all classes and conditions of men. A few adapt themselves to circumstances, while the many are out of sorts with their surroundings and accomplish nothing because they cannot have everything to their liking. “It is a great blessing to possess what one wishes,” said one to an ancient philosopher, who replied, “It is a greater blessing still, not to desire what one does not possess.”

John Newton once said, “If two angels were sent down from heaven, one to conduct an empire, and the other to sweep a street, they would feel no inclination to change employments.” That is, the higher and purer the nature, the more readily do men adapt themselves to circumstances and rest satisfied. Angelic natures do it best. So that the human quality in question is not small or mean, but high and noble.

Youth needs it as much as age, yea more; for in youth both male and female are doing things for all time, and even for eternity. The earlier the disposition to be content with the allotments of Providence is established, the better will it be for all the future, here and hereafter. In the home and schoolroom, on the playground and in social life, its beneficial influence will be enjoyed. Addison said that “it destroys all inordinate ambition, and every tendency to corruption with regard to the community to which we are placed. It gives sweetness to the conversation, and serenity to all the thoughts. It is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world; and if in the present life his happiness arises from the subduing of all his desires, it will arise in the next from the gratification of them.”

– taken from Gaining Favor with God and Man

The “I Wills” of Flexibility

  • I will not get upset when plans change

Children all too frequently cry, pout, complain, and even throw temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. The character quality of flexibility recognises that such behaviour is wrong. It is not only wrong, but creates extremely difficult situations for both parents and teachers alike. Sometimes these wrong behaviours are simply learned. Children learn that when they cry, they get their way and when they pout, parents or teachers give in. Teaching flexibility helps to counteract such manipulative behaviour by encouraging self-control, patience, and discretion.

  • I will look for the good in changes

Flexibility is optimistic in that it looks for the good in something. The word optimistic comes from the same Latin root as optimum, which means “best.” A flexible child considers a change in light of its benefits and looks for the best to happen as a result of the change. Even cancelled outings or rescheduled activities offer some kind of good. By looking for the good in something rather than the worst, a flexible child usually finds it.

  • I will respect the decisions of my authorities

The fact is that children and students can’t always understand why things change. They don’t share the same knowledge, experience, or maturity that comes with being a parent or a teacher. Regardless of how much or how little they do understand, they can still respect the position of authority by listening, asking questions, and controlling emotional impulses.

  • I will not be stubborn

Stubborn means “remaining stiff and fixed in one place.” The original meaning of the word was considered a compliment. To use the word implied that someone was resolute and steadfast. In the fastpaced and ever-changing world in which children live today, the term refers to those who are obstinate, opinionated, or refuse to bend. Unfortunately, those who refuse to bend often break.

  • I will not compromise what is right

While flexibility encourages one to accept change, flexibility does not yield to changes which are legally and morally wrong. Flexibility never excuses wrong behaviour by blaming it on others, including authorities. It doesn’t say “I was just following orders,” because it knows and holds fast to what is right.

–Character First! Education Series 3

How to Demonstrate Flexibility

at Home

  • Being willing to change ideas or plans based on the cautions of one another.
  • Being open to one another’s suggestions on how to improve home life.
  • Welcoming family emergencies as opportunities to build character.
  • Giving up activities that conflict with family priorities – without griping.

at Work/School

  • Being willing to help a struggling student to understand a concept.
  • Listening to the advice of others who may be able to share a more effective way to accomplish your task.

at Church

  • Being open to changes in the order of service (Rather than – “But this is the way we’ve always done it…”).
  • Ministering to other families in a time of crisis.
  • Being willing to change plans or activities in deference to others who might be offended.

Character Definitions of Flexibility

  • Learning the wishes of the one I am serving and adapting my priorities to meet them. Learning how to cheerfully change plans when unexpected conditions require it. Avoiding obligations that would hinder us from taking the best course of action. (Character Clues Game)
  • Not becoming attached to ideas or plans which could be changed by my authorities. (Character First!)
  • Flexibility is not setting my affections on plans or places that could be changed by those whom I am serving. (The Power For True Success)

 

Peacemaker of The Day

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Godly character does not come naturally to your children – it needs to be taught! You don’t need to teach your children how to steal, lie, cheat or have a temper tantrum; but you do need to teach them meekness, humility, gentleness, kindness, deference, truthfulness, obedience, and forgiveness. These are character qualities that need to be taught. They’re certainly not being taught in the schools. They need to be taught in the home.

I wanted to share with you a little exercise which we enjoyed when our children were younger. It helped teach the Christ-like qualities of meekness and humility, and helped prevent some of the squabbling that takes place between siblings.

Every once and a while, we had a special competition during our morning devotional time as a family – it was called “Peacemaker of the Day.” I would announce to the children that Mom and I were going to be on the lookout for those who demonstrated the characteristics of a peacemaker. A special reward was to be given to the one who…

• gladly and willingly shared his toys
• yielded his rights rather than fighting for them
• praised and encouraged others (rather than being mean and critical)
• took the initiative in serving (without having to be asked)
• obeyed immediately and sweetly (not having to be asked a second time and with a good attitude)
• showed honor and respect (no back talk or attitude)
• demonstrated manners (saying “Thank you” at the dinner table)

Carefully explain each of the characteristics above to your children and let them know what is expected of them. The next morning, have them nominate their siblings by sharing how they saw each other demonstrate Godly character. Mom and Dad make the final decision on who is awarded the coveted prize.

Make the reward big – at least in their eyes. You’ll be amazed at how the younger children will respond to this challenge.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Seeing Life From God’s Perspective

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Life is held together by a very intricate series of cause-and-effect relationships. Paul explains it in Galatians 6:7 by saying, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

You cannot obey God’s Word without being blessed; but you cannot ignore or disobey God’s Word without there being consequences in your life and in your relationships with others.

The moment we are wronged or offended, God gives us grace to respond with forgiveness. The reason why God supplies grace and the reason why we resist it is because His principles are the very opposite of our natural inclinations (Isaiah 55:8). Jesus says, “…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Our natural inclination is to get even. But whenever you resist or reject God’s grace and violate His principles there will be consequences. Hebrews 12:15 warns, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
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Wisdom is being able to see the connection between our violation of Biblical principles and the consequences or reproofs that we are experiencing in our lives. This is such an important Biblical concept to understand and one that we need to teach our children. If our children can see this connection they will then have the knowledge to resolve conflicts and have successful relationships. If they fail to understand this, they may just consider God’s reproofs as having a spate of bad luck. But there is no such thing as bad luck. Our lives are not governed by chance but by our attitude and response to the eternal truth of God’s Word.

Pray daily that your children might understand this truth and see life from God’s perspective.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

“I’m Here Today Because He Died For Me”

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Charles Spurgeon said that he was so certain of his salvation that he could grab hold of a corn stalk, swing out over the very fires of hell, look the devil straight in the eye and sing, “Blessed Assurance Jesus Is Mine.” That assurance is based upon the truth of God’s Word — yet many Christians today struggle with doubts about assurance of their salvation.

The truth is that if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we are eternally secure because our salvation is not based upon what we do or don’t do; but upon our faith in what Jesus Christ has already done.

During the American Civil War, an informer in a small town disappeared and the commander in charge ordered ten men to be shot in reprisal. Several men were being detained in the local jail as prisoners of war, and ten of them were selected from among them. One of the men was a man by the name of William Humphrey — the father of several small children. Another young man in the prison cell by the name of Hiram Smith volunteered to go in the place of William Humphrey since he thought it was better for a single man to die rather than a man with a family. Hiram Smith was subsequently taken and shot in the place of William Humphrey. As the years passed, Humphrey could have reflected on those events and stated, “I’m here today because he died in my place!”

That will be our only boast in heaven — not, “I am here today because of how good I am,” or “I am here today because I belonged to a certain church” — but, “I am here today because Christ died for me; because He took my place and bore the condemnation of my sins on the cross at Calvary.”

Talk with your children. Know what their struggles are and where they are coming from. If they have trusted Christ as their Savior, help them understand the truth that they are eternally secure in Jesus Christ.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries