I have always been drawn to accomplished Americans’ quotes and creeds.
The only sign on the desk of former “Meet the Press” moderator, newscaster, author, and attorney Tim Russert reads, “Thou shalt not whine.”
There is an abundance of scriptural support for this simple admonition (James 1:2–4; 5:9; 1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:11–18).
“Thou shalt not whine” is right there: “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Philippians 2:14). “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
Former Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings had but one sign on his desk: “Never confuse activity with accomplishments—it is results that count.” John wrote, “Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
President Harry Truman had but one sign on his desk: “The buck stops here.” Our eternal reward cannot be passed on. We shall all be judged individually, not collectively. Galatians 6:5 says, “Each one shall bear his own load.” Paul echoed, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Many others displayed desk signs that could have simply been quoted from the Bible. Eleanor Roosevelt may have thought of Philippians 4:13 when she displayed these words: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Rosa Parks said, “Memories of our lives, of our works, and our deeds will continue in others” which might be based on “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Luke 1:37 tells us that “with God nothing will be impossible.” “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Refreshing, uplifting, and affirming Scriptures can guide us on our way, just like the signs on our desks. What sign is on your desk?
—Bill Lundy, Cedartown, Georgia
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.“ – Galatians 6:9
