The Discipline of Freedom

Weekly Thought – December 3, 2024

Fred recognized the relationship between strong leadership and character. His observation that when leaders fail it is most often the result of character flaws, not lack of competence. When discussing character, Fred always turned to the importance of discipline.

The Discipline of Freedom

In my experience many men and women feel trapped in their work. During a weekend with young, growing pastors I repeatedly heard, “I’m called by God to do this, but I don’t like certain aspects of the job, and I don’t feel free to change them. I feel like a slave to the church.”

Slavery comes with very few options. Viktor Frankl established a school of psychotherapy based on his belief: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” During this retreat I talked about emotional options which illustrate Frankl’s thought. Those who feel trapped can be dedicated, enthusiastic, willing to use their best talents, or they can drag their feet, be insolent and difficult.

When feeling trapped, the key is to recognize you’re serving the wrong master. “Pastor, you are called to be the “bond-servant of Jesus Christ,” as Paul says. Too many confuse fealty to the church for allegiance to Christ. The freedom to serve Christ alone, however, requires discipline. It comes with a price – all freedom does.

A lot of people try to lease freedom instead of buying it. Leasing is trying to find small ways you can please others without totally giving yourself away. Wanting to serve Christ alone suffers with this lease agreement. The price appears to be less, but the benefit is certainly diminished.

Freedom is not irresponsibility; it is an environment in which you discharge your responsibilities. The combination of political and religious freedom combined with the Puritan work ethic is the foundation of America’s productivity. They believed we each have a talent for which we are responsible. They taught that one day we would stand before God and be judged for the use of that talent.

The more total we can make our commitment to Christ, the freer we are. We discipline our desires. Our natural inclination for freedom without responsibility is tempered. We understand and operate within the environment of freedom applying the restraints which lead to maturity and growth.

This week carefully think about: 1) How do I define freedom? 2) What price have I paid for freedom? Financial, vocational, relational, spiritual? 3) What am I willing to change if I feel trapped?

Words of Wisdom: “Freedom to serve Christ alone comes with a price – all freedom does.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NET Bible)

Learn the Value of Administration

Weekly Thought – November 26, 2024

Fred appreciated ideas. His idea of “great fun” was gathering with others who were intrigued with thinking about life as he was. A weekend of friends in Houston served as an impetus for “The Twenty-Five.” Those who gathered in Texas agreed to send an article, idea, or quote to each of the others once a month. A Dallas CEO had an entire file cabinet drawer dedicated to these offerings. One of the ideas which sparked conversation was the difference between management and leadership.

Learn the Value of Administration

Leadership and management are two different skill sets. Many times good leaders are not good administrators. Likewise, good managers are not always leaders.

Peter Drucker, the man known as the father of modern management, defined the difference as: “Managers focus on doing things right, while a leader focuses on doing the right things.” Another distinction by Peter Drucker is “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”

Our country had a President who was an exceptional manager. As an executive he was known to read 300 pages of reports before breakfast each morning. He was certainly the best-informed chief executive, but struggled to provide leadership by getting people to follow him.
Other Presidents demonstrated great leadership qualities, while failing to excel in the day to day details. Many of these had strong communication skills which amplified their acceptance as a leader the people chose to follow.

Even if a leader is not strong in administration, he/she must recognize the crucial value of these skills. Bringing top notch administrative skills to the team is critical, whether it is leading a country or an organization. If the leader delegates widely, the principal of “appreciate it, develop it, and then leave it alone.” Picking the right people with the right skills is the key.

Oversupervision is the great sin often committed against managers. The leader’s task is to say, “Here’s where we are, and there’s where we ought to go.” The administrator’s task is to determine how to get there.

A successful organization has leadership and management. You lead people but you manage work.

Carefully consider this week: 1) Am I more gifted in leadership or management? 2) How am I developing my skill and contributing to my organization? 3) Who could I help with the distinction between leadership and management?

Words of Wisdom: “You lead people and manage work.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good! You will surely wear out, both you and these people who are with you, for this is too heavy a burden for you, you are not able to do it by yourself.’” (Exodus 18:17,18 NET Bible)

Peace Through Strength

Brenda’s Blog – November 19, 2024

“The 1000 underground missiles were already “at the ready.” They held the power to destroy civilization but were meant as a deterrent to preserve peace.”

The brochure put into a few words the heartbeat of the Cold War. As a child of the 50s and teenager of the 60’s the threat of nuclear war was a constant. In elementary school we learned to hide under our desks with hands covering our heads if the “A Bombs” ever went off. No one ever bothered to explain the absolute absurdity of this practice. Or, as we went into junior high we practiced protection by huddling together in the hallways by our lockers – a sure defense!

Knowing that numberless missiles still resided beneath our feet at the Minuteman Missile facility “gave one pause.” I am not sure the safety they promised hadn’t passed its “use by” date.

Of course, then I had to think about the spiritual analogies and illustrations… You know me!

What missiles are hidden within my mind planted to protect me from hurt? What sharp retorts are able to shatter another who threatens to hurt? Even where are the school desks where I hide from rejection and attack? And of course, how often do I cover my head and duck when life gets tense?

Just as the missiles seem outmoded, so do my own personal defense systems. Our country declares us safer when we can show “peace through strength.” I often fool myself into thinking that the walls I build between myself and others shows strength, when it only shows immaturity and immunity from growth.

I guess the missiles will stay in the ground on the plains of South Dakota awaiting the buzzer which sends them on a programmed mission of destruction. Hopefully, I will excavate mine and enjoy a walk without dreading the emotional explosion.

Values or Virtues

Weekly Thought – November 19, 2024

Fred used a tape recorder to capture his observations and thoughts. As technology changed, his collection grew… all the way from a giant box housing a reel to reel to the last one which was a small handheld downloadable to a computer file. The familiar refrain “period – paragraph” let everyone in the family know he was in his office taping mini essays to be transcribed by his faithful secretary. This week features two examples.

Values or Virtues

Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues they may be moral or ethical, but they are not Christian. Our society is full of slogans, ads, and even sermons urging us to return to family values, historical models, and proper ethics. But rarely are we challenged to return to Biblical virtues.

We talk about values because subconsciously we are exercising control as we choose our standards and values. Biblical virtues, however, exert authority over us and come from revealed truth. They are in control not under our control.

Returning to even the best human values is not good enough – we must return to virtue, for in doing so we are returning to God.

(“MK, period, paragraph. New mini essay”)

What Are You Becoming?

Those around us judge us by our accomplishment. They know what we have done, built, titles we have worn, honors we have garnered, and who we are. But on the inside we continually ask ourselves: Am I content with who I am becoming or who I have become?

In East Texas we have the large pine beetle. When it dies it remains clinging to the bark of the pine tree. Its insides dry up, and thought the body of the insect appears to be alive. But an approach and touch reveals nothing but a hollow shell.

Occasionally I meet someone whose life has evaporated. He has become a walking hollow shell. His living has used up his life.

This week carefully consider: 1) What idea am I thinking about right now? 2) How can I assess my direction? 3) Who can help me evaluate my progress?

Words of Wisdom: “Am I content with who I am becoming?”

Wisdom from the Word: “And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.” (Colossians 3:14 NET Bible)

Maintain The Vision

Weekly Thought – November 12, 2024

Fred studied leaders. “Lifelong learner” is one personality category used by many personality experts. Fred epitomized that profile. In his book Learning To Lead he discussed principles applicable for both business and church. A fundamental task of leaders is setting direction.

Maintain The Vision

David Rockefeller was once quoted: “The number one function of the top executive is to establish the purpose of the organization.” Max Depree expressed it like this: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.”

Like the hub of a wheel everything grows out of the vision. Until it is clearly established the door is open to all kinds of trouble. The leader must define why the organization exists – what is its purpose.

Here are several keys:
1. Define it specifically. In my experience, nothing is properly defined until you write it down. When I worked for Maxey Jarman, anytime I was fuzzy in my thinking he would force me to write him a memo. Once I said, “I can’t write it.” “The only reason you can’t write it is because you don’t know it. When you know it, Fred, then you can write it.”
2. Express it so other people understand it. A good statement of purpose is straightforward. A purpose statement with too many categories splinters the vision. If you don’t focus confusion results. If an organization gets spread too widely it becomes difficult to effectively communicate it.
3. Get both organizational and personal acceptance of the vision. Organizational acceptance avoids dueling purposes up and down the org chart. But it has to go deeper. True leaders know how to establish within the people a personal commitment of the purpose. They understand and appreciate they are integral to the success of the organization… not just paid staff.
4. Repeat the purpose over and over. One very effective leader used this phrase in a vision setting meeting: “Say it simply, boldly, and repeat it often.” Any leader who doesn’t consistently (and constantly) repeat the essence of the vision will find the people straying. It doesn’t have to be a sing-song repetition, but a vital repetition through living it out. This produces intensity and direction.

An organization without a clear purpose can get side tracked and involved in tangential projects and activities. When you have a clear vision, you view everything in light of it. Every once in a while you sit down and say, “Let’s stack every activity in this organization up against our purpose.”

An effective leader has a firm grasp on self-understanding applying it effectively to the required responsibilities… first of all setting and maintaining direction, vision, and purpose.

This week think carefully about: 1) When I think of a strong leader who comes to mind? Why? 2) In my leadership experiences, how clear am I? 3) What is the most difficult part of growing as a leader?

Words of Wisdom: “The leader must establish the purpose of the organization – why it exists.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NET Bible)

Leadership Is a Function, Not a Title

Weekly Thought – November 5, 2024

Fred wrote much about the multiple facets of leadership. He explored the topic from top to bottom often lifting up corners of the rug to find unexplored areas.

Leadership Is a Function, Not a Title

Some individuals think they are leaders when they really are not. One of my friends in industry was asked by his son, “Dad, what does it take to be a leader?” The man spent an hour struggling to reply and finally in desperation gave the best definition I had heard. “Son, all it takes to be a leader is to have somebody follow you.”

That’s all it takes: followers. If people are not following you, you are not a leader. You may have the title, but that is all. “Leader” is not a title, but a role. You only become a leader by functioning as one.

I remember sitting once in a city park at “Soapbox Corner” where the eccentrics assembled to do their public speaking. One fellow had attracted a large crowd with his harangue. I noticed another man walking around the back of the crowd obviously mad, and gesturing as he muttered to himself, “I came here to talk. I didn’t come here to listen.” He was mad because people weren’t listening to him. They moved away from him, drawn to the other speaker. He felt appointed a talked not a listener. But the crowd thought differently.

We communicate only when people listen. And unless people follow us, we’re not leaders.

Often leaders don’t have the title. In a manufacturing plant, I’ve known many leaders of employees who were not in management, nor did they have a union job. But by the very weight of their personality and experience, they had authority. They were natural leaders.

The major characteristic of a leader in an organization is the ability to turn subordinates into followers. People can be subordinates by definition – by placement on an organization chart, or membership roll. But they alone decide to be followers.

This week carefully consider: 1) How would I define leader? 2) What is my most satisfactory leadership experience? 3) Who would benefit from Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “Unless people follow us, we are not leaders.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor.” (1 Timothy 5:17(a) NET Bible)

Epochs and Eras

Brenda’s Blog – November 5, 2024

“These four Presidents represent four major themes in American life” – National Park Service

In the Black Hills of South Dakota an astounding sculpture rises from Mount Rushmore. For nearly 25 years a sculptor worked with a team of specialists, applied technology, and tried to avoid political storms to leave us the largest carving of its type in the United States.

He chose four Presidents: Washington, whose military leadership gave the colonies victory and was the father of the country; Jefferson for his vision in writing the Declaration of Independence and negotiating the Louisiana thus growing this country; Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider, “Trust Buster,” and advocate for environmental health and responsible for the development of the country; finally, Abraham Lincoln for his term of office which focused on the preservation of the United States.

Founding, growing, developing, and preserving – these are the four representations on Mount Rushmore.

As I quietly stood on a clear blue September morning I was moved by the majesty of the mountain. The reality of its significance kept me absolutely still.

Then I began thinking: “What would represent the key eras in my life? What would be the monumental moments during my 80 years? Who would be carved into the mountain of my life?

My Dad determined 8 characteristics he wanted in his life, and identified eight men who reflected a specific virtue. He then wrote them, asking for an 8×10 “head shot.” He framed them all, hung them on his office wall. At the top of the portraits he hung a portrait of Jesus, and a mirror on the bottom.

I look back through the years recognizing teachers, women church mentors, business associates, and loving friends who have spoken into my life at crucial turning points. And of course, at the top of the list would be Mom and Dad, my siblings, and my children.

How about stopping for a cup of coffee (or in my case, tea) and picking up your imaginary sculptor’s tools to carve out your own Mount of Remembrance?

Am I the pump or the pipe?

Weekly Thought – October 29, 2024

Fred tells the story of leading a men’s retreat near Fresno, California. It was scheduled from Friday evening through Sunday at noon. As he tells it “when I arrived I found out there was one speaker for the entire weekend – and I was it! That was the first time I knew. On the plane flying back to Dallas on Sunday I realized the exhaustion I expected wasn’t there.” This week’s post is about the lesson he learned.

Am I the pump or the pipe?

From that experience I learned with God’s presence permeating the meetings, he was the source: I was only the spokesman. In other words, God was the pump and I was the pipe. The pipe never gets tired. When I attempt to be the pump as well as the pipe, that takes more than I have. When I try to substitute my power for God’s I become powerless, dissatisfied, even frantic, and even defeated.

A few years back, Mary Alice and I were listening to a series of sermons by a well-known young preacher (who has since left his ministry). When she asked me what I thought of him I told her that I greatly admired his technical ability, his research, his eloquence, and delivery, but I never sensed spiritual power in his sermons. I felt he was spiritually impotent. I kept wanting to feel the presence of the Spirit, but I never dd. He later divorced his wife, and deserted the ministry. None of this was due to lack of talent, with which he was greatly blessed, but from lack of spiritual power. The Apostle Paul said, “I came not in excellence of words, but in power.”

In Jim May’s book he asks the question, “Are you working for God or is he working through you?” The times when I fully realize that God is using me, that what I am doing is his working through me rather than my working for him are special.

Those who become Christian celebrities must be careful that they don’t cross over the line from realizing that God is using them to thinking they are being recognized by God for their great potential contribution. We are not be volunteers, selectin our service for God, but dedicates, letting God select our service. When God selects, He sends power. When we volunteer, we keep control, even while attempting worthwhile work.

The pipe or the pump? A critical question for each of us.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I keep my eye on my role as pipe, not pump? 2) What can I do to pray for my pastor? 3) Who do I know that would be helped by Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “God is the pump and I am the pipe.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10 NET BIBLE)

Pre-Trip Maintenance

Brenda’s Blog – October 22, 2024

Before traveling for over four thousand miles in the next month I went to my local auto shop to make sure my faithful “Red Ryder” GMC Terrain is all set. I carried enough work to make me productive during the wait. I also showed up to be in line for number one in their “first come, first served” system. Before the door opened for business my smiling face was at their front door. I knew there would be a wait, so I prepared. Sadly, I left my mid-morning snack in the car, so my stomach growled a bit!

Over an hour after opening, an older lady came flying through the door, running straight up to the service counter. “I called and you said if I got here early I could get my oil changed right away.” “Yes, but there are several ahead of you, so if you will sit down and wait we will get right to you.” But I need my oil changed right away – and this IS early for me!” Everyone in the waiting room did a synchronized eye roll.

It made me think of the phrase “high maintenance.” My car was receiving personal attention making sure all its “bodily fluids” were full before I hit the road. It didn’t demand attention — the horn didn’t honk, nor do the windows fly up and down.
On the other hand, when people are high maintenance they interfere with the natural order of things. They consider themselves first priority. They honk and honk!

She marched around the waiting room complaining about the way she was treated. “I can go to Walmart and get waited on right away – I can go to Big Sandy and get the oil changed in 10 minutes.” Her song had verse after verse, but the chorus was always the same “I am special; I am worthy of being put at the front of the line.”

She told everyone her life story, emphasizing what her life had been… yes, had been. She talked of being married, driving a Mercedes, living in a big house, owning a plane, and wearing fine clothes. Then she said “I don’t need any of that. My kids live in California, have lots of money, and have happy lives so I am just fine in my trailer and vehicle.” The service manager told her two of her tires were bald, and there were several other needed repairs. She totally ignored him, and walked out to her 17 year old SUV.

Sometimes high maintenance is a cry for help. Sometimes we need to step behind the demands and see the need. Our Father God calls us to see Him in everyone we meet showing the love of Jesus.

Integrity in Motive

Weekly Thought- October 22, 2024

Fred valued his reputation as a man of integrity. Offers of financial gain, elevated status, and public acclaim were made during his life. He held to his credo – his statement of belief which he developed as a young man. He avoided traps by knowing the Rock upon which his life was built.

Integrity in Motive

Integrity starts with motive. I can’t ever be totally honest for I have a sin nature. But I can avoid being dishonest. Dishonesty is a decision.

Rationalization does more to pollute our integrity of motive than any other psychological tool. It attempts to excuse our lack of integrity. We repeatedly hear, “Everyone else is doing it.” Or, how many times do we hear “Times have changed – this is what works today.” Too often we hear “I had no choice if I wanted to win.” One of the saddest is, “I had to go along with the majority even though I knew they weren’t right.”

The argument that choosing even a wrong path which will ultimately produce good is a lie which is too often accepted. “The end justifies the means” is attributed to Machiavelli, the political theorist. In God’s economy this philosophy fails. He doesn’t support this thinking. He doesn’t find shortcuts which lead to a win. He is sovereign and the plan is His. He wants our motives to be reflections of His righteousness.

Our maturity in Christ is the goal. Picking the easy way, even when it opens the door to shady choices is counter productive. When our children were young Mary Alice and I reminded them “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

There is a process to rationalization. First, we convince ourselves that winning, succeeding, achieving, or even growing an organization may require a few steps off the straight and narrow, but the end result will benefit so many the decision makes sense. The next phase is convincing others of the plan, bringing them into the “in the end it will be the best” strategy. Finally, the Christian attempts to convince God of the choice. When the outcome is seen to be seriously flawed, the conversation with God changes confession into explanation.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do I evaluate my motives in making key decisions? 2) Who is my strong ally who speaks truth to me? 3) What red flags do I have established as measures of my motives?

Words of Wisdom: “He wants our motives to be reflections of His righteousness.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9 NET Bible)

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