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Variations of this quote date back at least more than two centuries and were also attributed to Greek and Chinese philosophers, Heraclitus and Lao Tzu, respectively. It seems they’re all on to something, namely that character formation, more likely than not, begins with our ‘thoughts’. How should we address those? Answer: Life’s playbook found in Holy Scripture.
For instance, consider Solomon’s Proverbs, outlined in 30 chapters. You could read one chapter a day each month and it would likely influence your thinking. You’d read passages like these:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established
Death and life are in the power of the tongue
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches
Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life
Or take it a step further and spend time reading Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in the Gospel of Matthew. For Christians, it’s not only Jesus’ words, but the example of His perfect life, that guide us. Jesus said this centuries ago, and says this to you and me today:
Love your enemies
Judge not
Do not be anxious about tomorrow
Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
This Musing is hardly original as I’ve mostly quoted Solomon, whom Scripture calls the wisest person on earth, and Jesus, the Son of God. Their words on character, and its formation, really can’t be matched.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
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