Little Good, Big Good

Weekly Thought – September 3, 2019

Fred liked to say “service is the rent we pay on the space we occupy in life.” How he lived this out! A cynical physician recently wrote that after 75 life just deteriorates and we take more from society than we give. He never knew Fred! He gave back right up to the last breath.

The repairs on breakfastwithfred.com are progressing well. Also, updates on bwfli.com are in the works. The sites had grown “old and cranky,” so this needed work is being done. Thank you to our financial supporters who make this possible. Your contributions make the wisdom of Fred Smith, Sr. available online. Thank you. Check out the Facebook page: Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute.

Little Good, Big Good

Dick Halverson served as the Chaplain of the Senate for 14 years. Three or four of his friends spent a weekend at his farm engaged in conversation. As we sat around, talking, one of my favorite descriptions of Christ came to mind: “He went about doing good.” That was so much the way Dick chose to live.

I find it interesting to see how Christ lived his life. No rushing around, no to-do list, no trying to make it to the next “significant encounter,” no prioritizing – just going about doing good. He stopped as he traveled to the home of Jairus, responding to the tug on his robe by a woman with a serious female problem. He paused, touched her, and then continued on His way.

Can you think of a better obituary than “He (or she) went about doing good – and doing good just where he (she) was? It isn’t about creating a platform for doing good, but recognizing that just where you are is your opportunity.

Sadly, I watch Christian celebrities who strive for the “big good.” They want the visibility, the prestige, and the limelight. Many times these people move from organization to organization moving up the Christian “doing good ladder.” On the other hand, I see Christians who feel they aren’t productive because they are doing “little good.” How wrong they are!

Those that plant seeds and “bloom where they are planted,” as the cliché goes, may be operating in the power of the Spirit way more than the celebrities who run to the bright lights. In another outstanding conversation time I sat with a group of Christian leaders, including Stephen Olford. After a stimulating discussion on leadership he quietly asked, “I have had my share of celebrity. I have been recognized.as one who faithfully teaches the Word. But when I die if my family can’t say they saw God in me, then I have failed.”

The little opportunities to do good day by day, wherever we are, should be our agenda, not rushing from meeting to meeting gaining recognition. Don’t misunderstand me – I certainly see the good in public ministry… just not the “be all,” and the sole reason for service.

It is about recognizing who we are, what our gifts are, and where God has planted us – then making service a priority.

This week think about: 1) How focused am I on what is right in front of me? 2) Who models blooming where they are planted in my life? 3) What can I do this week to strengthen my “going about doing good?”

Words of Wisdom: “Service is the rent we pay on the space we occupy in life.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35 NET Bible)

Things Remembered

Brenda’s Blog – August 27, 2019

“At the end of the day all I can give my children is memories.”

I agree.

My parents consistently focused us on “making memories.” This meant putting deposits in the memory bank. One of my young friends wrote on Facebook, “Buying things can never compare to having experiences with friends.” He knows how to build up a robust remembrance account.

Taking time and spending money on positive memories creates a healthy foundation. Think of the times you sat with family and someone started reminiscing? Laughter undoubtedly followed.

Memories are the finest example of time travel we have. Just reviewing puts us back into another place. We hear sounds, smell aromas, and even feel emotions. We don’t have to drop into a black hole, or pass through a portal — we just have to remember.
The Old Testament gives generational reminders of God’s goodness. Consistently the history is repeated and often the words “The Lord’s lovingkindness endures forever” is voiced verse by verse.

The New Testament gives us the Lord’s Table (Communion) as a symbol of the New Covenant. Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.” We know how easy it is to forget. The memory of His life, death, burial, and resurrection is replayed each time we observe this sacrament.

“But I don’t have the money to build memories.” I sadly overheard this comment. Bike rides, popcorn and movie nights at home, Bible studies with grandparents, scavenger walks in the neighborhood — available without costly outlays. Time is the currency of memory-making.

Relationships come with stewardship responsibilities. We are given to each other for building up, growth, and maturity.

Creating a legacy of shared experiences is a significant way of working this out. Shared stories bond one generation to another, linking us with fondness and delight.

The interest paid is measurably higher than the prime rate, and lifelong dividends are paid. Go put a deposit in your memory bank today!

Defining Production

Weekly Thought – August 27, 2019

Fred studied for a lifetime. Although he was unable to attend college, lacking the necessary funding, he embodied “life long learner.” He and Mary Alice believed in higher education providing a way for their three children to each have undergraduate and graduate degrees. He committed himself to getting older, but never old. His mind stayed sharp until the closing hours as his body shut down. Ever the student, he concentrated on human relations, even his own family.

BWFLI is in the final planning stages for the What’s Next Roundtable at Palm Beach University in November. Please keep the team in your prayers. We see more than ever the importance of building into the lives of our Christian colleges and universities. Your financial support is greatly appreciated.

Defining Production

As a business executive I focus heavily on production. When I was young and growing in the corporation I learned about manufacturing. Later in life when I started the food packaging brokerage I employed many of the principles learned at an early age in shoe and apparel plants.

For most of my business life I have clearly understood “results are the only excuse for activity.” Accomplishment and productivity are my yardstick.

At 60 I experienced a tremendous shift in my thinking. I began learning how to define productivity in the family. That sounds strange, doesn’t it?

Our son pointed out to me my philosophy of management worked well in the office, but not so well at home. “You run the family like you run the business. You are the President and CEO. Mom serves as Vice President (with a direct line of report to you) and each of the kids has a job description.”

It never occurred to me that the family didn’t run that way. Business consultants talk about “metrics and measurements.” I completely understood that. What I totally missed and misunderstood was the outcome desired for the family. I realized my learning about this was just beginning.

Providing, spiritually leading, creating a stimulating environment – all these were in “my wheelhouse,” as the young ones say. I failed to stop and properly evaluate the genuine outcome.

After several years of arduous study and yes, struggle, I came to this conclusion: the production of the family is relationship. I am doing my best to change, but it is very difficult. All of your reflexes, all your habits, all your thought patters, all your experiences have been under a different system and its almost like a spiritual conversion. You have to become a new person.

I felt very vulnerable during this process. I encountered new experiences, made new decisions – all without the years I had with the old “run it like a business model.” I took the “by appointment only” attitude and replaced it with a desire to be part of the family. I have to admit I have yet to come to the point of sitting down and watching TV, but I no longer cluck my tongue as I pass through the room on the way to my study to do “serious work.”

Interestingly, our grandchildren were the first to notice – and benefit. They recognized I valued being with them, not just instructing, or leading from the top of the org chart.

I haven’t given up the burning desire for productivity, but I have redefined it. Relationship is now the desired outcome.

This week think about: 1) How do I measure success in the family? 2) What does accomplishment and productivity look like to me? 3) What can I begin learning right now?

Words of Wisdom: “Relationship is the production of a home.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24 NET Bible)

He Stretched Others

Weekly Thought – August 20, 2019

Fred closed his earthly chapters on August 17, 2007 at 9:15am in Dallas, TX. His daughters stood by his bed watching the heart monitor show the declining rate. At the last moment physical life ended but his spiritual life continued on. The thought this week is a retelling of Fred’s own story of his life theme. Our prayer at BWF is for your hearts and minds to be strengthened and stretched.

He Stretched Others

I was once asked at age 69 what was next for me. “What direction do you want to take as you head into your 70s?” “What new things do you want to do with your life?” The interviewer challenged me to set out my goals for the next 10 years. I don’t think she expected my response.

“My direction is the one that has fueled me since my late twenties.”

I grew up in the mill district of North Nashville. The advantages of social position, money, and upward movement weren’t mine. But I knew instinctively I had a purpose. I analyzed my gifts; I studied my motivations; and I went to a cemetery. Yes, I went to a cemetery, sat on a tombstone, and considered what I wanted on my headstone. As I sat there I said, “One day I will be under the stone and this is what I want marking my life.”

Strongly influenced by the power of brevity by Western Union telegrams I settled on three words: “He Stretched Others.”
Those three words became the aim in my life. That is why I mentor, teach, talk, and write. It is sheer joy to see someone stretched, even if it makes them a bit uncomfortable. When I see someone with talent who is way too comfortable, I do my best to unsettle them. I probe, prod, and often put a burr under their saddle.

But I never do this if they do not have the capability to stretch. I never challenge a man with one leg to become a long-distance runner. I am careful in my coaching to not talk to people about things which they clearly cannot do. That is unkind.

But almost all of us can stretch way beyond where we are. We settle for so little when so much is possible. I express my belief in them and then they believe.

So, my goals for the next ten years (or however much time God gives me), I will continue in my desire to stretch others. I think God intended me to do this. This is my sweet spot.

(Editor’s note: Fred is buried at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, TX under a headstone with three words: He Stretched Others next to Mary Alice.)

This week think about: 1) What do I want for my epitaph? 2) What do I think God intended me to do? 3) How can I encourage growth in others?

Words of Wisdom: “We settle for so little when so much is possible.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” (Philemon 1:7 NET Bible)

Unlikely Vision

Brenda’s Blog – August 13, 2019

“This trucking company was built on the vision of a blind man.”

Ormsby Trucking Company travels with this painted on the back of their vehicles. It grabs you, doesn’t it? As I rode along behind the 18 wheeler it made me think about other irregular visions.

The Menninger brothers established a medical clinic on the Kansas plains, far from the major schools, populations, and technology. The Mayo brothers created a world-renown diagnostic facility in Rochester, Minnesota. Who would ever create a strategic plan for medical institutions placing them in these remote areas? Yet, the vision of “blooming where they are planted” belies the advice of most consultants.

The names of successful companies on the “it can’t be done here” list always get my attention. A common element is a man or woman who had an idea and built on it, like Mr. Ormsby. Undoubtedly they all faced great challenges and probably questioned themselves at times. But the vision motivated, disciplined, and drove the activity needed for realization.

So much is written about passion as the engine for accomplishment. Great bursts of energy without conduits to direct them lead to “blowing off steam.” Vision is the structure.

As Christians our operating vision is the transforming work of God which continually changes us into the image of Jesus. This is the vision in the mind of God – we are His workmanship, the outworking of His vision. Even though we cannot even imagine what the outcome will be, we can be scripturally attune to many of the elements in this process. We know His changing us from self-directed to Spirit-led is indeed in His “vision statement.”

Our lives can be visionary adventures. We can exult in the unexpected experiences He presents. Trucks roll on the vision of a blind man; we move on the impeccable vision of Him whose sees all.

Executive Concepts

Weekly Thought – August 13, 2019

Fred identified key leadership principles early in his career, but he didn’t stop to write about them until the mid-80s. Having his thoughts captured through articles, notes, and speeches creates an on-going legacy for all of us.

Please pray for the fall BWFLI schedule and those who will be going to Palm Beach Atlantic University for the What’s Next Roundtable. Your financial support is certainly appreciated to underwrite these efforts as the Christian colleges and universities are charged no fees, nor do the team members receive honoraria.

Executive Concepts

I use this as a working definition: “an executive is not a person who can do the work better than the employees; he or she is a person who can get the team to get the work done better than he/she can.” My responsibility is to be a super-visor, not a super-worker. Times of physical inactivity can provide space for strategic thinking. My system requires competence around me. It demands a finely tuned method of selection, development, and motivation.

It is built on the foundation of decisiveness. Not quick draw reactions, but well-trained and disciplined decisions.
Recently, I looked at an organization with problems. I asked the board, “Is our lead horse strong enough to pull the wagon?”

“No,” was their answer.

“Okay, where is the one we need?” That prompted a search, hire, and move forward. I could have approached it differently by saying, “This man we have is sincere. With enough help, he just might make it.” What would be the probable result? Five years pulling with him and then finding out he just couldn’t do the job. A tremendous amount of time and effort would have been wasted, paralyzing the organization. The earlier the make a decision about a failure and cut your losses, the less actual loss.

I once asked a banker, “What do you consider when you make a loan?”

“I always think, never delay a failure with my money.”

People spend endless energy delaying failures. In truth, we see change as catastrophic when it is very often the very door we need. I sent one of our daughters a quote I saw when she was in the midst of change: “I refused to change until it became too painful to stay where I was.” Sometimes growth is forced upon us.

Insurance company executive Roger Hull liked to talk about people who succeed after failing… even seeing the failure as the foundation for success. If you are the head of something and you don’t make it go, that’s your responsibility. If you are not making it, you ought to make a change. If you haven’t got the guts to make the change yourself, then somebody ought to make it for you.

People who wait around trying to find the pleasant, comfortable moment to make difficult decisions are simply kidding themselves. When you know a situation is going wrong, then do something to alleviate it. The answer to most problems is the right people in the right places. (Editor’s note: this was written in the 1980s before the concept became common place.)

This week think about: 1) Where have I grown by making a change, even if painful? 2) How can I help someone else stop delaying failure? 3) When do I slip into super-worker versus super-visor?

Words of Wisdom: “Sometimes growth is forced upon us.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NET Bible)

Unpacking Leadership

Weekly Thought – August 6, 2019

Fred committed much mental and physical energy thinking about Christianity Today, International (CTI). His friendship with Billy Graham began long before the inception of the magazine and his relationship to the work of CTI was on his mind until his death in 2007. Paul Robbins and Harold Myra were great partners in their mutual exhilaration process. They capably activated the “fire hose” of Fred’s thinking. This week’s content is extracted from an interview with Paul. Even though it is nearly 30 years old, the thoughts are contemporary.

www.breakfastwithfred is a senior citizen in the world of digital content. This summer needed repairs were made. Upgrades are currently underway to bwfli.com. Houses, cars, and websites all need maintenance, don’t they? Thanks for your prayerful encouragement. We are grateful for your standing with us throughout these years. It is joyful to serve you while expanding the reach of Fred’s work.

Unpacking Leadership

Paul Robbins (PR), Harold Myra (HM): Fred, you have achieved a great deal in your life. How did you find the time?

Fred: Those of us who divide our efforts, particularly in the more visible activities, may appear to do more, but I doubt it. Frankly, I thought you might ask me why I have done so little, considering Wesley, Napoleon, Churchill, and others who have done so much with their 24 hours. I keep thinking how much Wesley did in such a relatively short life span. I am not being facetious or humble. My rule is to “think use, not amount.” Blaming lack of time can become an escape mechanism.

PR, HM: You always appear so relaxed, even casual, yet there is below the surface a lurking intensity. Does this intensity have a special meaning for you?

Fred: Yes, I guess it does, for it is one of my touchpoints, like a channel marker to a ship captain. Intensity is the boiling point of effort, the concentration of energy, the tip of the welding flame. Most accomplishers have a special ability to develop intensity at the right time over the right issue. Most pros have the ability to maintain a relaxed pose, then snap into action at the right moment. Only amateurs keep jumping up and down all the time like college cheerleaders. Many hardworking people fail to accomplish because the lack intensity at the critical points. Good leaders study situations, identify the critical elements and put additional resources at those points. Occasionally I do a check-up on my intensity level. If I am flat and intense about little, I know I need an adjustment. The people around me and the projects are important to maintaining intensity in good working order. I need people who correctly evaluate and turn up the intensity. Those who can’t can foul up the play or severely limit the options.

PR, HM: What are shorthand clues to your style?

Fred: I try to decide 1) what I’m trying to do, 2) what it takes to do it, and 3) who can I get to do it better than I can. I find summary thoughts helpful to keeping me conscious of goals like: “Results are the only reason for activity.” So many good-intentioned people will spend their time (and try to take mine) telling about the details of the work they are doing. I short-cut this by looking them in the eye and simply saying, “Don’t tell me about the labor pains – show me the baby!”

This week think about: 1) What are some of my key markers for leadership? 2) How apt am I to get bogged down in labor pains? 3) Where is my source of intensity?

Words of Wisdom: “Blaming lack of time can be an escape mechanism.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Trust in him at all times, you people! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our shelter!” (Psalm 62:8 NET Bible)

Clean Your Plate

Brenda’s Blog – July 30, 2019

“No wonder you can’t download that app. You have used up all your memory. Let’s see – hmmmm you have texts going back to 2015. Don’t you ever delete them? And pictures – you have thousands. You need to go home and start cleaning all this up.”

The young woman was kind, but she also looked at me like a troglodyte who just rolled out of the cave. I honestly didn’t know to delete text messages. And yes, I knew there were hundreds of unwanted pictures which “someday” I was going to erase.

“You don’t want to buy a new phone and transfer all that. Come back when you have cleaned it up.”

Shamed, but thankful, I walked out of the store. Have you ever tried to delete 4 years of text messages? It is not only tiring, but totally unrewarding. I know I could clean it with one fell swoop by a single “delete all,” but it is like cleaning out a drawer, or a closet – throw it all away and absolutely you will eliminate the very thing you need someday, right?

This became a “that’ll preach” for me. I started thinking about my gratitude for my Savior. When I was definitely piled up with years of undeleted mess, He gave His life in obedience to the Father who planned before time to save me from my sin. At Calvary He did delete all. Jesus paid it all.

And our great triune God promised me a new life without demanding I clean up the current one. The Bible doesn’t tell me to get rid of the junk and then come to Him – no, the Bible says there is no way I could ever get it together in order to be acceptable enough. He came to me because there was nothing I could do on my own.

My plan is to get the new phone on Friday. Between now and then I am going to drive myself crazy pushing delete, but then every once in a while I will stop and say thanks to God for reminding I am His – junk and all!

The Puritans and Ethics

Weekly Thought – July 30, 2019

Fred highly regarded the work ethic. He “took a dim view” (as he liked to say) of the wish ethic. As a teenager he met an evangelist who preached in his pastor father’s pulpit for a revival. After getting to know him, the man gave Fred a paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16 which became a life verse. “Take the gift that God has given you, AND USE IT, and you will stand before great men.”

When our BWFLI team members receive messages from students about ways they are using what they gained in conversations, they feel like they are using the gifts God has given them. We are grateful for all who stand with us year by year. Men and women are being touched by the wisdom and care of team members who want to leave students with “words to live by.”

The Puritans and Ethics

The Puritans felt it was our duty to be responsible citizens. I speak at a great many Chamber of Commerce meetings throughout the country and often hear them praise the free enterprise system. As worthy as our economic philosophy is, it is not the only reason for success. Our sense of personal responsibility aligned with our political freedom created our standard of living. This came out of our Puritan tradition. Freedom is the environment in which responsibility flourishes. The American experience is the first time the two came together. I think we should call it “responsible enterprise.”

The Puritans also believed that every man had a gift and was to contribute to the common good – they referred to this as their “calling.” We have relegated this word to the clergy. I am convinced the revival of the concept of general calling would be helpful.

Another critical tenet of Puritan thought was that every man was responsible to God for his actions and one day would stand before Him and give account. I have thought a great deal about the problems we are facing in our society. I don’t think more laws, even more law enforcement, or bigger jails would be as effective as a return to God-consciousness. In America we have largely lost the individual’s responsibility before God. We have lost the impact of believing in the afterlife and accountability.

It is neurotic to think of nothing but heaven, but it is naïve to totally avoid thinking about it.

I am amazed how often I will do things as if God did not exist. We may still be theist in word, but are atheist in action. I see people doing things they would no more do, nor even consider, if they believed in the eventual and inevitable judgment of God. We are teaching our young people to believe in the “you only go around once” and “grab the gusto” philosophies. Tragic.

Under the Puritan ethic the Bible was the moral dictionary. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not you had a “Christian experience,” but rather it was the Christian tradition to accept the Bible as the moral standard. It is difficult for people using different definitions and standards to talk well together and make effective moral decisions.

Personally, I am convinced that the watershed of all human thinking is the perfectibility of man. It is the fulcrum on which the conservative/liberal thought turns. If man is perfectible, then the liberal are correct in theology, politics, philosophy, and all other areas of human endeavor. If he is not perfectible, then the Puritan position of restraint is correct. If man is his own authority, relativism rules. If we believe man is sinful with the great hope of His redemption responsibility to God and each other reigns.

This week think about: 1) What is my opinion of personal responsibility? 2) How do I demonstrate my philosophical or theological framework in my decision making? 3) Who is a good example of ethical living?

Words of Wisdom: “It is neurotic to think of nothing but heaven, but it is naïve to totally avoid thinking about it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24 NET Bible)

My friend Ray

Weekly Thought – July 23, 2019

Fred cultivated friendships, nurturing them for a lifetime. During one hospitalization the doctors told him his days were short. Rather than mope, he made a list of friends and asked to have each called. For an entire day he told others how much they meant to him, specifically appreciating experiences. Gratitude was a core value of Fred’s, especially for his friends. One friend and mentor was Ray Stedman, theologian, pastor, and author. When someone asked about Dr. Stedman, Fred shared these remembrances.

Please pray for us as we work on the updated edition of You and Your Network. The content continues to reflect the timeless nature of principle-based thinking.

My friend Ray

I know of no one who can interpret the Scriptures quite as clearly as he. Once I asked him if he ever got burned out. Christian periodicals were featuring lead articles on the examples of many preachers and ministry leaders. He responded, “How can I get burned out discovering the mysteries of God?” He never lost his enthusiasm and excitement for Scriptural study. I also remember one of the last times we had time to visit. We were riding to the airport after a men’s meeting. It was Saturday night. “What are you preaching about tomorrow? What are you going to say to the congregation?” Those were my questions to him. His answer was truly Ray: “I’m going to tell them to stop praying for what they’ve already got!” His study was in Ephesians and he wanted them to realize what they possessed as Christians. He wanted them to realize they sometimes pray for something they already have.

“They just need to have a realization of their blessings.”

Once we were talking about what the Scripture meant to us. Ray said, “My life changed when I found out that God was FOR me and NOT AGAINST me.” So often we think of God as judging, not bestowing. This misconception of God causes so much anxiety.

Probably the most unique thing about Ray was his total freedom from ego control. Oswald Chambers talks about going through the white funeral of losing our ego before we go through the black funeral of losing our life. Ray was probably one of the very few men I’ve ever known who has truly been through the white funeral. He didn’t look nor act like the expected preacher image. He didn’t go around speaking in a theological brogue, or take on an affected piety which offended and alienated others.

He was not soft on sin and certainly never preached “cheap grace.” BUT, he preached Jesus who brought words of life. He often engaged in cultural discussions with college students in his Palo Alto area, sometimes without identifying himself. When they saw how interested he was in them and his honest involvement they wanted to know who he was. He then invited them to church, telling them how welcome they would be.

He reminded me one time that Jesus encountered the woman at the well in a way that was beyond acceptance. “Yes, He accepted her, but after she accepted Him, she was never the same again.” That was Ray’s heart – changed lives.

(BWF Note: Ray Stedman’s sermons are archived at www.raystedman.org)

This week consider the following: 1) Who has influenced my thinking about God? 2) How am I engaging others around who God is? 3) What has scripture meant to me?

Words of Wisdom: “My life changed when I found out that God was FOR me and NOT AGAINST me.” (Ray Stedman)

Wisdom from the Word: “What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NET Bible)

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