The “quote and a question” is a simple approach to thinking more deeply about the thoughts, ideas, and advice from authors, historical figures, and leaders.
Read the full list of quotes on Words of Wisdom
Quote
“The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.” – D.L. Moody
Question
My mother used to work for a Credit Union. Handling money almost daily, she was able to tell if a bill was counterfeit by first knowing what a real the real thing looked like. In one sense, a life of integrity, kindness, and clarity is the “straight stick”, naturally revealing what is lacking in the “crooked”. By being a living ‘straight stick’, we not only avoid unnecessary conflict but also have the potential to inspire transformation in others by simply being a visible standard of truth and goodness. In your current relationships or environment, are you spending more time criticizing what’s wrong or quietly modeling what’s right? How can you become a “straight stick” in areas where you feel tempted to argue, complain, or judge?