STOP AND THINK – Men will not consider, will not look ahead, will not look around them, will not reflect on the end of their present course, and the sure consequences of their present days, and wake up to find they are damned for a lack of thinking. (J. C Ryle, 19th century Anglican bishop)

Ryle wrote about “Dangers For Young Men” more than a century ago, but the same warnings are valid today not only for young men but for all of us, as well. We are inclined to accept what we find on the Internet or hear from the “talking heads” on TV without giving thought to what we’re hearing and reading. It would be wise to listen and think clearly.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble . . . right . . . pure . . . lovely . . . admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).