Weekly Thought – January 31, 2017

Fred rarely fell into fuzzy thinking. His friend and mentor Maxey Jarman burned into him the necessity of clarity. He also objectively looked at processes and “pulled the loose threads.” He spoke plainly, but with beautifully crafted nuances. In these Weekly Thoughts, the material is garnered from Fred’s writings and notes over decades. Some of the illustrations are dated, but undoubtedly the principles are timeless.

Who Do You Serve?

The proper and right concept of leadership is vital. The correct use of theory is essential. Some people differentiate between the theoretical and the practical, as if theory is impractical. One of my earliest management lessons came in this simple maxim: “Nothing is as practical as a correct theory.”

Behind every practicality is a theory. Foundational to our moon shots was Einstein’s theories of relativity. Behind Edison was Faraday’s Theory of Electricity. Just so in leadership. The concept comes first and without a solid understanding nothing but faulty leadership develops.

Currently, one of the popular concepts is “servant leadership.” Properly understood, it is helpful, but it can (and has been) terribly abused.

In ministry, the Christian leader is a servant of God, not a servant of the sheep. Many spiritual shepherds get that confused – and operate incorrectly, inadequately, and often ineptly. The belief that each sheep is the source of the servanthood is to misunderstand the concept.

I have a good friend who nearly lost his sanity trying to be a servant leader to his congregation with the mindset that each was his boss. When one of his “bosses” called him in the middle of the night with instructions, he felt obligated to respond. The situation became absolutely intolerable.

Yes, you lead by serving, but the major expression of your service is your leadership.

Take for example, Lee Iacocca, a great leader. He is a servant of the Chrysler Corporation but he doesn’t ask every employee from assembly line to executive suite where and how the company should go. He may certainly solicit counsel, but he expects his employees to do their job well – just as they expect him to do his with excellence. Iacocca’s servanthood is expressed through his leadership. If he were to give up doing this he would no longer be a faithful servant of Chrysler.

This week think about: 1) What is my own definition of servant leadership? 2) How successful am I leading others? 3) What changes do I need to make in my leadership style to be more effective?

Words of Wisdom: “Yes, you lead by serving, but the major expression of your service is your leadership.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.” (Romans 14:18 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 27, 2016

Fred did not trumpet his good deeds. He believed in quiet philanthropy and giving without fanfare. He gave to operations because “nobody likes to give to paperclips, but organizations need them.” He was generous in his giving and supported many without any thought of a charitable deduction.

Thank you for partnering with BWF this year. We appreciate your prayer encouragement, and your financial gifts. We look forward to another year of stretching and blessing.

Life Blood

Sometimes you keep stories to yourself because they are very personal. Sometimes the deep satisfaction that they reflect keeps them private. This is a story out of my early manhood I have never told before, simply because it was very personal and a very satisfying experience. It didn’t need any broadcasting.

When I was a young man in this life insurance business I went into a lawyer’s office where he and his daughter practiced together. As I spoke to them, they were obviously upset and asked me what my blood type was. Although it was a strange question, I knew that they earnestly needed my answer. When I told him he said, “That is exactly what we need.” And then he continued, “My brother is dying in St. Thomas Hospital (in Nashville, TN) and must have blood immediately. Will you give him some of yours?” I happily agreed.

We got into the car and headed straight for the hospital. Without doing anything other than taking off my coat, I stretched out on a cot beside the man. They transferred the blood directly from me to him because his need was that great. He lived and was very grateful for the transfusion. He wanted to pay me, but I told him his gratitude and his survival were thanks enough. Financial payment would be inappropriate.

I never saw him again but the experience produced total satisfaction.

When our souls were in need of a donation for our salvation, Christ shed His blood. When our souls were perishing, Christ provided a way for eternal lie. Christ gave us something that we cannot buy – we can only receive it by faith… namely, His grace. “Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood.”

This week think about: 1) How sensitive am I to needs of those around me? 2) What triggers my desire to give? 3) Who needs to hear about the life-giving blood of Jesus?

Words of Wisdom: “When our souls were in need of a donation for our salvation, Christ shed His blood.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help.” (Proverbs 3:27 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 22, 2016

Fred was consulting with a manufacturing firm in northern Ohio on November 22, 1963. He drove to Granbury, Ohio where their elder daughter was a student at Denison University. He visited and talked about the implications of the Kennedy death. He returned on Sunday to take her out to lunch with a group of friends. Walking through the lobby of the Holiday Inn in Newark they watched the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas. So much changed that weekend, but Fred was there – she could count on him.

Steadfastness

Frankly, I was surprised to find in my study that loyalty is one of the key elements in love. I always thought of spontaneity and extravagance as demonstrations, but now I have to add loyalty. Of course, when I think back on my life I realize how important it truly is, even without recognizing and naming it.

For example, during one of my hospital stays I woke up to see a paper taped to the wall with the letters YTCO printed. One of our granddaughters had made the sign because she knew the story behind them and how much they meant to me. Confederate Cavalry Officer Jeb Stuart always closed his correspondence to General Robert E. Lee with these words, “Yours To Count On.”(YTCO) When I told my family the story, they all adopted it.

Every time I woke up and saw those letters I knew she was saying, “We are with you, Grandfather, and we love you.”

I am a connoisseur of donut shops. I have given them my expert opinion from coast to coast. One time in Grand Saline, TX I was in one of the best. Across from my table sat a rural couple. She was dressed in what I think women call “gingham.” He was dressed in his best “go to town” overalls. He got up to pay, but she didn’t get up. I wondered why. Then he came back and gently, but firmly, picked her up. I then saw she was in a full body brace.

He carried her to their pickup while everyone in the shop watched them through the front window. The waitress turned to me and said, “He took his vows seriously, didn’t he, Mister?” Yes, he did.

When I think about God, His love always comes to mind. God’s love for us is evidenced through his loyalty to us. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our names are permanently engraved on the palms of His hand. He takes his covenant seriously.

This week think about: 1) How do loyalty and love work together for me? 2) What behaviors represent loyalty? 3) How loyal am I to those who love me?

Words of Wisdom: “God’s love for us is evidenced through his loyalty to us.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38,39 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 8, 2016

Fred read deeply in devotional writing. He appreciated Gratian’s Manual, Practicing the Presence of God, The Seeking Heart, and My Utmost For His Highest, among many others. His copies were heavily noted and annotated with thoughts prompted by these ancient writers. Fred’s long-time and valued friend Harold Myra is currently working on a devotional based on the writings of Brother Lawrence. Fred would have thoroughly enjoyed “thinking on those things.”

The BWFLI schedule for 2016 is completed – with great joy and thanksgiving. Please pray for LeTourneau University and Greenville College which are actively in the planning stages currently for 2017.

Pain and Gain of Tribulation

Until I spent several months on my back, unable to move, I didn’t really appreciate patience. Perhaps I could have given you “three points of managing a patient attitude,” but I didn’t experientially understand. Now I know that true patience reduces unhealthy distress without diminishing healthy stress. Patience brings poise to our life, enabling us to discern between the important and the less important. It gives us tolerance for the point of view of others. Patience promotes meditation. The Scripture confirms the ancient saint’s belief that patience develops character. “Tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance, proven character, and proven character hope” is the way Paul said it. Here we see that hope is in the direct line of blessing with tribulation and patience.

Brother Lawrence said that he prayed for tribulation in order to become stronger so that he might endure even more tribulation. He saw suffering as “God’s gymnasium.” When you are an A-type personality, everything has to happen quickly. Yet tribulation has its own pace – its own rhythm. I have found patience to be the only antidote for my frustrations, most of which have been seated in my ego. I get irritated because I wanted my own way and at my speed. Today my immobility and total dependence on others have made patience so valuable in avoiding testiness. (My family may think I have more work to do to completely operate with my irenic spirit!)

Tribulation can be either positive or negative. The choice is yours to make and as you want it, so it shall be. A national magazine picked up a phrase I have begun to use: “I am not disabled; I am delightfully dependent.” The “delightful” is my way of being patient.

Patience, like many of our most valued qualities, is slow growing. Patience is an oak tree, not a cornstalk. Patience is available to all of us who are willing to pay the price. It is not an inherited quality that comes in the genes – it is the result of tribulation and our disciplined response.

Sweating it out in God’s gymnasium is hard work, but the Coach knows best.

This week think about: 1) What do I really think about tribulation? 2) How do I adjust my attitude in patience-building circumstances? 3) Who models patience in a healthy way for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Patience is not an inherited quality that comes in the genes – it is the result of tribulation and our disciplined response.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5: 3,4 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 23, 2016

Fred “took a dim view” (as he would say) of those who saw themselves as exceptions to the rule. Or, those who treated exceptions as the norm.

The BWFLI Prayer Network is committed to praying for our Christian colleges and universities. We are standing with them as they educate the next generation of men and women who take Christ to the world. If you want to join us, please email brenda@bwfli.com

Yes or No

As leaders, our decisions determine the character of our organizations. We cannot make exceptions for ourselves. The leader is responsible for keeping options in line with right character.

Character decisions must be disciplined decisions. However, I see several undisciplined patterns, responses, and rationales. Here are a few:

1) Trying to maintain control – Some organizations create structures for personal control, not for leadership development. Generally, the control-driven leader is self-serving. Dictators do not develop great succession plans. The extreme controller damages the organization by sabotaging others who are viewed as competition or threats. Instability is often the negative result.

2) Trying to outdo the competition – Healthy competition is part of the infrastructure of commerce, but conniving, fraudulent practices to undercut other companies or products makes for bad decisions. Keeping two sets of books, hiding safety reports, undercutting prices, or corporate espionage are examples of character degeneration. Unhealthy leaders give birth to unhealthy environments.

3) Refusing to admit mistakes – Leaders must name and claim mistakes as soon as possible. They must minimize the loss, and start remedial actions immediately. They now call it damage control, but when I grew up it was called taking responsibility for my actions. In the 1960s the sitcom Happy Days featured the Fonz. He was incapable of saying, “I was wrong.” That style never works for real leaders.

4) Hiring or firing people based on politics – A leader’s first question should be: “Will this appointment help the organization to fulfill its mission?” not “Will this person vote my way or forward my personal goals?” I was once asked to sit on a friend’s board. I asked, “Will I have the freedom to disagree with your decisions?” “Fred, I think this probably isn’t a good idea.” He wanted a “yes man,” but that wasn’t the best for the organization.

This week think about: 1) Do I ever take a shortcut and make a self-focused decision? 2) How easy is it for me to admit I am wrong? 3) What can I do to encourage disciplined decisions in my home or organization?

Words of Wisdom: “Unhealthy leaders give birth to unhealthy environments.”

Wisdom from the Word: “An honorable man makes honorable plans; his honorable character gives him security.” (Isaiah 32:8 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 19, 2016

Fred took his own integrity temperature regularly because he didn’t trust his human nature to fly straight on auto-pilot. He also measured the character of others, particularly when he was doing business with them. One of his secret weapons was his wife, Mary Alice. He refused to hire a key person without her meeting them and giving her input.

Measuring Character

Leaders with strong character have power, dignity, and integrity. Fortunately, our character can be strong without being perfect. It is enough that we want solid character for then we are teachable and reclaimable after falling. The worst flaw is to believe we are not vulnerable.

Here are measures I have found to be helpful in thinking about others:

1) Personality affects the way we react to pressure and desires. The introvert must be drawn out to discover the response while most extroverts must be reined in by themselves or others.

2) Testing the strengths and weaknesses presents surprises. Knowing others allows the leader to develop strengths and bolster weaknesses.

3) Past history is a predictor of the future. Asking co-workers, family, and friends can be enlightening. Often, character is better known than talents and skills.

Here are three areas that are beneficial for self-assessment:

1) Find a trusted and valued objective resource as a touchstone and standard. Biblical truth is an excellent yardstick.

2) Check for purity of purpose and transparency. “Yours to count on” is a good indication of strong character.

3) Tongue control, ego management, obedience, and confession are indicators of a strong character. Emotional maturity is always one of my personal goals.

Character grows strong under pressure, suffering, loss, tribulation, and failures, in which the mind gets experiences and the heart gets convictions. Character is the element that makes us stand when we want to run, to live when it would be easier to die, and to fight for the right — even in a losing cause.

This week think about: 1) How careful am I to assess my own character as well as those around me? 2) What does “purity of purpose” mean in my daily living? 3) What is my standard of truth?

Words of Wisdom: “Emotional maturity is one of my personal goals.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The king said to him, ‘How many times must I make you solemnly promise in the name of the Lord to tell me only the truth?’” (1 Kings 22:16 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 5, 2016

Fred spent New Year’s Day reviewing and evaluating the preceding year. He looked at his relations: to money, business, family, friends, church, personal development, and God. Each year he carefully considered these areas and then did a personal audit.

2016 will be an outstanding year for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute. We need your prayer support. And, so do our Christian colleges and universities. Please join our BWFLI Prayer Network and receive a monthly email with guided suggestions for standing with those who strongly lead Christian higher education. Contact us at brenda@bwfli.com

Straight and Crooked – Conclusion

It is very commonly accepted to talk about mankind as “sons of God.” Certainly we are all creatures of Him, but only in the new birth through Christ do we become sons and daughters. If we are automatically children, there is no need for the divine adoption. And without that the coming of Christ is a waste.

People who point to Christ as a “perfect example” are badly over-engineering the product. I have a high-precision German sports car. If I could find a highway with no speed limit, my car would perform perfectly. I sometimes feel it resents the governing I must do… it longs to run! It is manufactured to cruise at 100mph. When I am forced to hold it to 55mph, it doesn’t operate right. The bottom line is I have spent a lot of money for wasted precision.

Similarly, if God meant Christ to be simply a perfect example, the Son was way over-engineered. Any human being who is better than I am is a good enough example for me. I already have Mother Theresa when I need a model of selflessness, goodness, and faithfulness. She is by far a finer example of Godly living if that is all it would take. I could just become the disciple of someone who is 15% better than I am. If Christ is only an example it would be truly depressing for such a standard is unachievable.

I didn’t need an example; I needed a Savior. I needed someone whose sacrifice was acceptable enough to reconcile me to God (something that even Mother Theresa could never do!).

Intellectual integrity must be alive and well in our study of God. It is tempting to allow the study to overshadow the practice of worship. Sadly, I have met men who had a great mind for God but little heart. I once asked a Jewish philosopher, “Why aren’t all great theologians saints?” He said, “It’s simple.” Too often, theological studies involve one-upmanship. It views itself as the top of the intellectual ladder. If a theologian says to me, “What do you do?” and I say “I am a scientist,” he will say, “I am the one who studies the One who made what you study.”

I am convinced He has called us to humility for it is still the surest way to genuine intellectual integrity.

This week think about: 1) Where do I struggle the most with humility? 2) Who is Jesus in my life? 3) How can I make intellectual integrity part of 2016?

Words of Wisdom: “Sadly, I have met men who had a great mind for God but little heart.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 29, 2015

Fred valued intellectual integrity. Speakers who depended on emotional persuasion without the benefit of facts won little respect. He did the hard work of thinking about ideas and developing a system and framework for his worldview.

The year is ending. What a time of grateful reflection. We are deep into plans for our 2016 schools and the excitement is palpable. Please continue to partner with us in prayerful expectation. May your last days of 2015 give you ample opportunity for praise to our faithful and true God.

Straight and Crooked – Part Three

I was taught to go to church twice on Sunday. So when I moved to an area where they didn’t have Sunday evening services, I didn’t know what to do. I felt guilty. It took me a long time to work through this, getting to the point where I could say to Mary Alice, “It is okay to stay home.”

We need to be more honest with young Christians about that. For example, we tell new Christians to have a specific daily time for prayer and Bible study. That’s fine. But instead of laying it on as a duty, we need to explain the rationale. We need to sit down and explain: “You are new; here is a discipline you will find healthy. Most mature Christians take up a routine for reading the Scripture. At the least, it is good to set aside a daily time with God.” We must always remember God isn’t tied to our schedule.

We must be honest with people about what a discipline is, what a ritual is, and what reality is.

People are quite different in the way they can best approach Scripture. I went to a church where a mathematician was the leading elder. He was very strong on studying the Bible chapter by chapter, verse by verse – front to back. It just broke his heart to vary from this pattern. Others are equally strong in their beliefs and convictions, but prefer the method which applies scripture topically.

We must carefully counsel new Christians in this regard. After all, we are not on a point system with God. He wants us to know Him – not attempt to beat some hypothetical (and erroneous) score. We as older Christians (and hopefully more mature) must always seek to instill the importance of a relationship with God.

I was at a college in Florida where a medical doctor made the mistake of opening his speech by listing his doubts. He asked me later what I thought of his talk. I said, “I’ve found I have no right to give a group my doubts because when I find an answer, I can never get that group back together to finish the discussion. So while I live with my doubts, I only preach my beliefs.”

It is tempting to express your doubts, because it makes you feel comfortable and real. But it is much more helpful to focus on the positive. I remember a late night session with Baylor students, talking about the minimum you can do and still be considered a good Christian. One foreign student spoke up: “I’m not interested in the minimum; I’m interested in the maximum.” I suddenly realized she was the one with intellectual integrity. Those in the discussion were trying to get into heaven on the cheapest general admission ticket; she was in love with God.

This week think about: 1) How can I clarify the difference between discipline, ritual, and reality? 2) What is my counsel for new Christians? 3) When do I let intellectual integrity slip?

Words of Wisdom: “We must be honest with people about what a discipline is; what a ritual is; and what a reality is.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” (1 Peter 3:15 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 22, 2015

Fred believed in identifying personal uniquenesses and focusing on their development. His ability to handle large quantities of information, distilling into essential parts helped others. He likened his process to putting handles on pots to make it easier movement. He said an idea needs a handle to pass it from one to another – one of his gifts was building handles.

BWFLI thanks you for your faithful encouragement. The 2016 schedule is complete and the planning is now in active mode. Please continue to pray for Lindsey Wilson College, Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, and Palm Beach University.

Straight and Crooked – Part Two

In our comfort driven society, too many high profile church leaders allow the irresponsible to avoid discomfort. For example, if a thousand members are giving an average of two percent of income, success is declared. But this is way short of a true healthy congregation’s contributions.

It is tempting for the pastor to brag on the size of the budget as if everyone were doing what they should. Instead of talking about the irresponsibility of not giving sufficiently, too many pastors make them comfortable by talking about meeting the budget.

Throwing a spiritual mantle over the nonspiritual is a temptation for many leaders. This is also a serious downfall among the people, in general. “We have spent hours in prayer and we believe this is the answer.” If this is true, I am all for that statement. Too often, the decisions are made for political reasons and are based on human reasoning alone. Doing God’s work in man’s way is dishonest.

How many times do we promise to pray for someone when we have no genuine intention of doing so? That is harsh, isn’t it? Perhaps in the moment we intend to pray, or perhaps we just want to end the conversation. How about dropping God’s name? If I have been invited to speak at a prayer breakfast, I make sure my friends know. That way I get in one lick for God and two licks for me.

Here is a tough one: how about an organization that passionately preaches the imminent return of Christ while setting up a ministerial structure in perpetuity with all the accoutrements? I have often wondered how book publishers negotiate royalty contracts with people who expect Jesus to return within months. Do they put in contingency clauses?

Another concern is the common belief we are all children of God, regardless of our faith positions. I believe we are all creatures of God, and through the new birth, we become children of God. If we are all given the inheritance at birth, there is no need for the work of Christ. And if His work is unnecessary, so was His coming. Without His coming, we are still creatures, but very lost and without hope.

Think about this: 1) When am I tempted to “get in one lick for God and two for me?” 2) How do I respond to the temptation to make things comfortable when I should be challenging? 3) What areas in my life are out of balance?

Words of Wisdom: “Doing God’s work in man’s way is dishonest.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I know, my God, that you examine thoughts and are pleased with integrity. With pure motives I contribute all this; and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you.” (1 Chronicles 29:17 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 15, 2015

Fred once commented he liked to do “crooked thinking on the straight and narrow.” He highly respected the body of Christ and refused to take pot-shots at the church, even when offered opportunities by high ranking intellectuals. Leadership Journal published an article entitled Straight Answers in a Crooked Age which gave Fred a platform to express his quest for intellectual integrity in Christian leadership. We will do a series which covers all his points in coming weeks.

Straight and Crooked – Part One

Several years ago, I was talking with a former fundamentalist who had left the ministry to enter politics. I realized how far he had strayed from fundamentalism when he said, “You know, Smith, I respect your intelligence. How in the world can you still believe in authority of Scripture?”

I knew he would argue against a rational defense, so I took a different tack. “At one time in my life, I thought about taking your position because there was so much in the Bible I found distasteful. But then I realized it was my distaste rather than my disbelief that was causing the problem. I didn’t want to believe the parts of Scripture that commanded my actions. I didn’t want to lose control of my life making obedience more important than knowledge.”

He didn’t change his mind, but I think he went away respecting the fact that intellectual integrity could make you submit to Scripture.

Since then I’ve done more thinking on the subject. If I remove the portions of Scripture I dislike, and five of my friends do likewise, the six of us could pretty well scrap the whole book through our distaste for obedience, our rebellion against authority, and our worship of knowledge.

I know myself well enough to know I’m not God-like enough to be that authoritative. Honesty compels me to accept the authority of Scripture.

Intellectual integrity, however, is not abundant in the Christian community. In fact I find more of it in business than I do in religion. There’s a simple reason: business uses the language of figures. Politics, religion, and education don’t lend themselves to bottom line evaluation.

I will throw out several areas which are troublesome and later we will cover them in depth: 1) Spiritualizing the non-spiritual; 2) Operating from spiritual platitudes; 3) Confusing creatures of God and children of God; 4) Transposing knowledge and faith; 5) Policing the church, positively and negatively; 6) Turning reality into ritual and forced disciplines; 7) Setting the bar too low; 8) Pushing theology into boxes.

Humility is still the surest way to genuine intellectual integrity.

This week think about: 1) Where are my struggles with integrity? 2) Who best knows my soft spots? 3) What am I doing to grow into a whole person?

Words of Wisdom: “Honesty compels me to accept the authority of Scripture.”

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)