7 Things You Need To Stop Doing Right Now

On the Church Bulletin Group facebook page, Wayne Greeson shared a post apparently from the Connersville Church of Christ.

The post caught my eye with the above provocative title. I wondered what I need to stop doing. Right now.

A recent Instagram video promoting the ancient wisdom of stoic philosophy gives “Seven Stoic Don’ts” as personal growth tips. And several prominent stoic philosophers are mentioned.

1. Stop complaining. “Don’t be overheard complaining…Not even to yourself.” Marcus Aurelius.

2. Stop talking more than you listen. “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.” Zeno.

3. Stop tying your identity to the things you own. Because those things are fragile. Those things can be taken away from you at any moment’s notice.

4. Stop comparing yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy.

5. Stop suffering imagined troubles. Seneca said: “Pain is inevitable, we must avoid the phantom premonitions of what may or may not happen.” Don’t suffer before you need to.

6. Stop judging other people. You mess up too.

7. Stop over indulging yourself in food or drink. This is temperance. It’s about balance. It’s about the right amount.

Wayne then provided a brief background of Stoicism and areas in which their philosophy contradicts the Bible, especially regarding God and creation. In fact, the apostle Paul encountered and confronted the Stoic philosophers in Acts 17:16-34 and preached to them the true nature of God.

However, Wayne makes a valid point when he wrote, “We shouldn’t reject wisdom just because it comes from the sons of this world, such as the Stoic philosophers. The “Seven Stoic Don’ts” could just as well be called Seven Christian Don’ts.”

Each of these 7 actually finds their basis in Scripture.

1. Stop complaining. “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world….” Philippians 2:14-15.

2. Stop talking more than you listen. “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath….” James 1:19.

3. Stop tying your identity to the things you own. Jesus said: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

4. Stop comparing yourself to others. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthian 10:12.

5. Stop suffering imagined troubles. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

6. Stop judging other people. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1-2.

7. Stop over indulging yourself in food or drink. Be temperate. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ….” Titus 2:11-13.

See anything that you need to stop doing? Right now!

You don’t have to believe or embrace Stoicism. Just follow the Bible’s teaching about your Christian life. It will provide “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman