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)

Weekly Thought – November 17, 2015

Fred spoke to the San Angelo, Texas initial Prayer Breakfast in the 1990s. The local newspaper covered it and the article by Ron Durham captures his thinking so well, it is repeated as this week’s thought. Fred spoke to prayer gatherings from coast to coast, offering his distinctive style of Christian thinking from a businessman’s perspective.

Fred’s thoughts are most pertinent to today’s troubled environment.

Mark Modesti, member of the BWFLI team, as well as the BWF Project, Inc. board recently presented at the TED/UPS talks. Click here to hear his wise and challenging words on “Trouble.”

Turbulent Times

Despite indications that the nation is in the Dark Ages morally, there are enough true believers acting out their commission as “the light of the world” to prompt optimism, Dallas businessman Fred Smith told a local audience Thursday.

The remarks from Fred Smith, an author and inspirational speaker, were received enthusiastically by the approximately 600 people attending San Angelo’s version of the National Prayer Breakfast.

Prayer is “a relationship that unites us instead of a doctrine that divides us,” Smith said. At another point he noted that “moral problems spiritual solutions.”

Acknowledging that “these are turbulent times because we are between Christian and non-Christian time,” he compared the situation to a trapeze artist leaving the swing and tumbling through the air reaching for the other swing.

Citing others who agree that the nation is in moral decline, Smith referred to Russian dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s comment that “the Ten Commandments have become the Ten Suggestions.” He then observed that the culture’s materialistic bent only points to “a hole in the soul,” and that “many people have means but very little meaning.”

On the brighter side, Fred Smith cited ministries from inner city Seattle to the nation’s prison to professional sports to indicate a basis for optimism. And he told of people who have said, “I want to move my life from success to significance.”

Smith posed a blunt challenge to members of churches and synagogues to live up to the claims of their faith, noting a recent survey that indicated only 10 % of church and synagogue members show any significant difference in lifestyle.

Smith has served on more than 20 boards, including Cummings, Inc, Word, Inc, Youth for Christ International, and the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He currently serves on the Christianity Today, Inc. board. He holds two honorary doctorate of law degrees.

This week think about: 1) What is my response to our turbulent times? 2) How am I maximizing faith and minimizing fear? 3) What would be my message to a prayer breakfast?

Words of Wisdom: “Many people have means, but very little meaning.”

Wisdom from the Word: “God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 14, 2015

Fred was an excellent marketer. He always checked to see what would be helpful. He wanted to meet needs. When thinking about character he prefaced his thoughts with these words: “I checked around a little bit and found people are interested in this subject, so I decided to make a few notes about ideas utilized over the years for building an organization.”

We are thankful for the ongoing interest in the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute. Our 2017 schedule is starting to fill up – very grateful.

Diagnosis and Prescription

Jim Cain, the eminent Mayo Clinic physician, once told me the greatest diagnosticians are the ones who know the most symptoms. I think this carries over into character evaluation, as well. The more we know of strengths, weaknesses, especially in values structures the more we are able to test the waters. And the more likely we will have an accurate reading.
Many question the morality of testing, whether formal or informal. I believe they are neutral. We have to discipline our motives when using them. They are simply attempts to come to an honest evaluation.

Let me share three areas I test for. I will give you more later, and a list of red flags to notice.

1) Self-interest. I probe to ascertain the depth, intensity, and preoccupation with a person’s self-interest. You have to create a question or environment which takes them off guard to test for this. For example, a friend called me asking how my thinking on how he could handle a particular stock deal. He had a great deal of profit in it. I suggested he gift it. I got the long, long pause because he had never made a gift of this size before. I wasn’t judging him – just testing to see his reaction to the idea of gifting. I was looking to see how he saw things. I wanted to see the value he put on things and the priority he gives them.

2) Self-righteousness. I look for the degree of self-righteousness. It generally shows up in the reaction to humor or dramatics. A young man came to see me, telling me about his sermons on Martin Luther. He waxed eloquently on how he wish he could have been there with Luther so he could have stood and cheered. I looked at him and thought of the incongruity of this man who stood in a North Dallas pulpit in a three piece suit versus the slings and arrows of accusation thrown at Martin Luther.

3) Stress. We generally show our true nature when under stress. Who we are and what we do are usually consistent with our fundamental selves. When problems come some people will consistently run, duck, or pass on responsibility. For example, a woman told me of worked for a man who refused to hear anything negative because it upset him. He wanted to take the bows, but not the hard licks. On the other hand, I have known many executives whose gold was refined in the fire. When the filters are removed, we are who we are!

This week think about: 1) How do I evaluate possible hires? 2) How important is character in my assessment of a fit? 3) How well do I do on these three tests?

Words of Wisdom: “When the filters are removed, we are who we are!”

Wisdom from the Word: “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 30, 2015

Fred was allergic to phonies. He admired talent, vision, and character. Much of his thinking was done in a business context – for clients and other associates. He understood how to assess it and communicate the analysis.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is privileged to announce our 2016 campuses: Lindsey Wilson College (Columbia, KY), Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes, KY), Asbury University (Wilmore, KY), and Palm Beach Atlanta University (West Palm Beach, FL). We have confirmed Union University (Jackson, TN) for 2017 and are in talks with several other schools.

Counting Character

In trying to evaluate character, I always deal from a hypothesis. I suspect certain things, and I see evidences of others. Certain flags will go up in my mind as patterns form, but they are still part of the hypothesis until I have evidence. To jump to conclusions simply would show an emotional bias toward judging rather than evaluation.

I never really know someone until I have counted money with them. I have found this to be true in business, as well as ministry. When I get to heaven I want to ask why the Lord connected money and ministry. The weakness for taking more for oneself doesn’t just mean money. For example, I have seen executives who seem totally above board steal credit to promote themselves.

Character evaluation involves understanding weight limits. Bridges carry signs which notify drivers so collapses don’t occur. People have load limits, too. I knew a man who was very outwardly devout I am convinced his faith was real, but there were soft spots. The number one priority in his life was money, but he disciplined himself within reasonable ranges.

However, as soon as the deal passed six figures, he crumbled. The bridge cracked. He was not a crook; he was just not load tested successfully.

Many people’s character simply cannot stand temptations beyond a specific limit. When they try to hold against more than they “are rated for,” they fall into poor judgment and character default. A sign of faulty character is ignorance of temptation lines.

We often credit others with strong character when actually this reputation is earned because they know their limits and understand their weaknesses. They don’t drive their personal and professional vehicles across bridges which they know cannot carry that weight without crashing into the water.

Scripture tells us God gives exit ramps so temptation doesn’t overwhelm us. He completely understands our natures and gives us opportunities to grow in grace. He wants us to know ourselves and to adopt wisdom. Good character reflects maturity.

This week think about: 1) What do I use as a measure of character? 2) Where are my character soft spots? 3) How do I protect myself from character failures?

Words of Wisdom: “I never really know someone until I have counted money with them.”

Wisdom from the Word: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 7, 2015

Fred believed in the impact of influence. He respected the wisdom of others and grew from their input. Now his accumulation of thought is helpful to multiple generations.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of sharing Fred’s wisdom.

Living Influence

Influence never dies. You may talk to me about the imprint of your parents then say, “but they are dead.” No, they are not for you are still alive and their influence lives on through you – for better or for worse. We each ripple the pond of human life. Some make dainty circles while others make big splashes. Yet the movement of the water continues.

When my friend Dr. Julian Gumperz died in New York City, the newspaper headlined, “The awesome intellect of Dr. Gumperz is gone.” I disagree. It never will be completely gone as long as any of us who learned from him remain active and alive.

This is human immortality.

Once I was introducing dancer Ray Bolger at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. Therefore, I decided to catch his act the night before. It was one of the most touching, philosophical dance numbers I have ever seen. He came on stage with an orchestra out of sight and simply gave the signature dances of the greatest artists of all time. The audience, familiar with these performers, recognized Bill Robinson dancing up the steps, or Fred Astaire tapping from one surface to another. (more…)

Weekly Thought – August 26, 2014

Fred constantly looked for ways to make forward progress.  The identification of problems and growth areas began the process.  Defining solutions had to follow to avoid falling into negative patterns.  When he spoke about the loss of confidence and relationships as the basis for pain, he immediately followed up with suggestions for recovery.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute has taken teams to 10 Christian institutions.  Nearly 70 men and women have contributed to these leadership blitzes focused on “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”

Overcoming Loss

How can you persevere through professional and personal loss?  Here are three ideas which have worked for me.  See if they strike a chord with you.

1) Build new support systems

Unless we can recognize the difference between business associates and genuine friends we will be disappointed and hardened when things change.  One man going through a serious financial downturn wisely listed his friends who would not be affected by his money failures.  He and his wife concentrated on spending their time with those on their “authentic” list.  We should be mature enough to avoid disillusionment when social relationships grow cold as mutual benefits decrease.

2) Stay in the loop

Keep up contacts and activities even when enduring difficult times.  You might have to alter your social habits because you don’t have the discretionary income for golf, the expense account for pricey lunches, or exotic vacations, but you can creatively stay in touch.  I find writing letters, sending clippings, making phone calls, and looking for local opportunities keep my mind active and the energy up.  My physical incapacity eliminates many of the ways I connected with business and personal contacts.  Finding alternative methods is essential and actually mentally challenging.  The temptation to draw back during setbacks is damaging.  My Mother used to say, “This, too, shall pass.”  Cutting off relationships during low periods endangers the eventual comeback.      (more…)

Weekly Thought – August 19, 2014

Fred wrapped up his earthly assignment on August 17, 2007 at 9:15am. His life was devoted to faithfully stewarding his gifts for the benefit of others. His thinking on perseverance enabled many to navigate choppy waters. This week’s email is an excerpt from a Sunday School lesson for Highland Park Presbyterian Church. He talked about the pain of progress.

On September 12 and 13, 2015 we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fred’s birth. We will be sharing his impact on others. If you wish to participate, please email us answering the question: “How did Fred stretch you?”

Thank you for supporting us in prayer, encouragement, and financial assistance.

Positively Painful

Plan for pain – it will come. Don’t be shocked; don’t be thrown off course. James tells us, “Don’t be surprised when various trials come.” A well-conceived plan makes us ready for action.

In my experience, one of the primary causes of pain is loss. Here are two of the most prominent:

1) Confidence – An officer of a failed corporation sat at breakfast and told me he was a phony. “I didn’t have the capability everyone credited to me.” I stopped him saying, “I wouldn’t sit and listen to anyone else lie about you, so I won’t let you do it, either.” That is exactly what he was doing. He lost his confidence, but not his ability. I have a sign in my office to remind me: “You haven’t failed – only your plans have.”

Having an objective view of the experience allows us to accurately assess our situation. In doing this, we operate from the current reality, allowing us to make solid judgments. A totally subjective approach results in withdrawal or the cockiness of false confidence.     (more…)