Karen Brune Mathis, in a farewell article in the Florida Times Union, outlined ten of the life lessons a career in journalism has taught her. What follows are her main points with scripture to back up each one. (Please read her entire article.)
1. Courtesy is currency.
Galations 6:9 , Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Ephesians 4:2 , Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Galatians 5:14 , The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
2. Some people are jerks.
Matthew 10:14 , If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
3. There's power in speaking up.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 , Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
4. You must stand your ground.
Luke 21:19 , By standing firm you will gain life.
1 Corinthians 15:58 , Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
5. Lying backfires.
Psalm 5:6 , You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
1 Peter 3:10 (Psalm 34:12-13 ),Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
6. Watch your words.
Matthew 12:35-37 , The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Micah 7:5 , Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words.
7. Cliches and curses are annoying.
Proverbs 8:13 , To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
James 3:2 , We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
8. Expand your comfort zone.
Joshua 10:25 , Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."
1 Chronicles 4:10 , Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
Matthew 28:19-20 , Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
9. Compassion is good in large measure.
Ephesians 4:32 , Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Peter 3:8 , Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
10. So is skepticism.
Mark 4:24 , "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued.
2 Corinthians 13:1 (Deuteronomy 19:15 ), Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
