Weekly Thought – May 10, 2022

Fred enjoyed pulling friends together for conversation. In 1986 he invited a group together for three days of “totally informal good talking and good eating together” as he put it. There was no agenda, just time to consider life and ways for Christian service as businessmen.

Doing Good

A few weeks ago a group of friends met with Dick Halverson (then chaplain of the US Senate) to talk. As we did so, we thought about how often we have the opportunity of doing good. I remembered those words about Christ “He went about doing good.” His work wasn’t doing good – He came to bring the Gospel and give Himself as a sacrifice, but just in the everyday circumstances He did good.

Christ didn’t go about doing good when He was feeling good. Nor did He with just a good feeling. I get weary of two words I hear so often from ministry representatives “happy and excited.” Everybody thinks a Christian ought to be happy and how tired I get of hearing how excited they are about what God is doing. It is only in America that we have this hype.

Christ did not go about looking for the “highest good.” He just did the good that was at hand. It is easy to become immobilized looking for the highest good because we tend to ignore the small bits all around us. What is small? We cannot measure the quality or quantity of good.

One of my favorite examples is that of MacDonald, an unknown British theologian who wrote of the Christian faith to a relatively small audience. An agnostic professor in Oxford became a Christian and delivered a series of lectures on the BBC as an apologetic which then was published as Mere Christianity. Yes, C.S. Lewis. Tom Phillips, CEO of Raytheon Corporation read it and passed it on to Chuck Colson before he went to prison for improprieties during the Nixon administration. This resulted in Chuck’s conversion. When he left prison he didn’t return to his law firm, but formed Prison Fellowship. Good often has a long history. During the years we can’t tell what are the small parts and which are the large.

Christ went about doing good letting the circumstances set His agenda. I challenge myself each morning to see what’s around me and ask for the discernment to respond rightly. I don’t go out to be a “do-gooder,” but instead to see what is in front of me and do good.

This week carefully consider: 1) How well do I maximize opportunities to serve well? 2) What good can I do this week? 3) Where are the small bits of good which add up to changes in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “Christ did not go about looking for the highest good. He just did the good that was at hand.”

Wisdom from the Word: “So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NET Bible) * Fred’s Mother, Mrs. Bunyan Smith, repeated and lived these verses.

Weekly Thought – June 22, 2021

Fred believed firmly in principle based thinking long before it was a “hot topic” for leadership books. His efforts to distill ideas down to the simplest form, bringing out the fundamentals were a hallmark of his speaking, writing, and consulting. He processed each experience deriving the value.

Identifying Principles, Appreciating Experience

It is critical to process and archive our experiences by principles which remain constant, not just techniques which vary. For example, young people like to worship God through contemporary praise music while I am still singing “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden.” The worship of God is the principle the way we do it is the technique.

During the Second World War the government tested a large group of enlistees, finding only seven percent could think in principles while ninety-seven thought in techniques. We found that true in industrial training – principles could only be taught with technique attached. Our daughter Brenda studies personality types. She talks about the difference between abstract and concrete thinking.

Experience is a distillation of all the things that have happened to us therefore it is very important we objectively file them without romanticizing or fantasizing (like old men repeating stories of their athletic prowess). Some people unfortunately become less than objective about their experiences, trying to repeat successes based on technique, not on principle. I was asked to advise in one of the national strikes. Finding that the executive in charge was trying to repeat a success he had with strikes in years past. The critical point was the fact that the situation was different as were the players. He failed to assess the principles so the “long of tooth” techniques did not match changing time and personnel.
I often speak of operating from the current reality it is another way of saying, “understand the principles and then choose appropriate, relevant techniques that will work.”

Experience is valuable in development because it gives us data for decision making. We learn what works and what doesn’t. One key component of making good use of experience is to let us recognize how we operate under stress. This information is critical.

It is an old saw, but well worth repeating. A young man asked an older, successful business person, “What is the basis of your success?” “Good judgment,” was the elder’s reply. “Where did the good judgment come from?” Quickly the answer came back, “Experience.” The younger man had one more question “Where did the experience come from?” “Bad judgment.”

Undoubtedly, a good deal of that process involved learning to think in terms of principles, not just techniques.

This week carefully consider: 1) What has helped me to learn to assess situations in term of principles, not just techniques? 2) Who models this distinction for me? 3) How careful am I to properly process my experiences, outlining what I have learned?

Words of Wisdom: “Our growth through perseverance brings experience which we can never lose. It is important that we store our experiences more in principles than in techniques.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.” (Philippians 4:12 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 21, 2010

Fred once said he captured every valuable idea he heard, read, or considered. He wrote them on napkins, matchbooks, and especially church offering envelopes. He never traveled far from his tape recorder. Margie Keith spent years taking scraps of paper, and voice snippets and putting them into pages of “captured thoughts.” How grateful we are for both who made it possible to archive and utilize his gifts.

Thanks to all who encourage us week by week. Your words expressing how you use these wisdom emails help us. Thanks to everyone who contributes to make this work possible week by week.

Scatterthinking

1. Considerations on loss

Early one morning at a men’s conference I was greeted by one of the participants who attended my session with loss as the topic. “How would you like to lose $50 million, move your wife out of a three million dollar home, and take Chapter 11?” I asked, “Is that your story?” “Yes.”

It would have been easy to have told him to read the book of Job and put him on my prayer list. That may have been the proper approach for some, but for me it would have been sheer hypocrisy. It would have been irresponsible. Be clear – I am not saying scripture and prayer are the wrong response. But in this situation, I knew I was to offer something I was gifted to give – my business experience and strategic thinking.

We spent two hours going through his situation and considering the options. Often loss causes a cloud to settle in, limiting the ability to effectively think through the problem and possible solutions. In our time together we began the process of navigating through the cloud, finding suitable outcomes.
The book of Proverbs tells us when we have something in our hand to give another, it is wrong to withhold it. My training, my gifting, and my experience prepared me to sit down with him and begin a conversation that would lead him out of the fog.

We identified one option which would begin his way back. Two years later he contacted me telling me he had cleared Chapter 11 and was working his plan.

2.Mental Discipline

Benjamin Franklin assembled a list of character traits he wanted in his life. These virtues were considered part of a mature, successful life: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. He established a plan to focus on each one week by week, studying them four times during the year. Even today I meet leaders who frame copies of this system and hang them on their office walls.

This practice made me think about not only putting on, but putting off. I asked myself “what habits would I like to break?” I put that question to you. What one, two, or three commitments would set the direction for change? Take one commitment in each major area of life (e.g. career, family, community), write down the desired outcome, and begin an intentional plan of action.

This week carefully consider: 1) How can I use my gifts and experiences to help in problem solving? 2) What do I do when the cloud of loss descends? 3) When do I do my best thinking?

Words of Wisdom: “Often loss causes a cloud to settle in, limiting the ability to effectively think through the problem and possible solutions.”

Wisdom from the Word: “How great are your works, O LORD! Your plans are very intricate!” (Psalm 92:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 14,2020

Fred thought for fun. How odd that sounds, but it is true. He marveled when people would tell him they never thought at all. Everything he saw, read, or experienced started him down an exploratory path of contemplation. In his files are hundreds of pages labeled M-M. No one to date has deciphered the meaning, but they are one or two paragraph observations on diverse subjects. We are serving up two of these delights this week.

As Fred frequently pointed out, we are in constant flux. No one feels this more than college students. Please pray for those we touch each year with a message of hope, and help. Your encouragement and financial support are greatly appreciated.

The Human Condition

Part of our condition is caused by living in a secular world. Too often our religion takes on the flavor of the secular, as well. We live in a competitive world where winning and losing are key. We live in a high-energy world with image fighting reality, with the media too often doing the defining. We recognize and appreciate individualism while needing community.

Peers are more important to the youth than parents. Materialism is more prevalent and more highly valued than spirituality “Now” is overshadowing interest in the hereafter. Science has put faith on the defensive. Authority is being questioned. Institutional religion and denominations are in disfavor.

And yet, there is a memory of what used to be, a faint recollection of a certain otherness. There is a yearning for true reality. In this vacuum there is a longing for meaning.

Transition to What?

Historians have labeled these times as “post-modern.” They say we are in a transition period, not yet knowing what we will become. We are like a trapeze artist who has left the security of one swing and has not yet reached the certainty of the next. I think we are in the period between trapeze and chaos.

Management books are written on managing these times. When we want to go back, we realize we are the trapeze performer caught between swings. It would be foolish to think we can stand still and let the world come back to us. We must move forward.

Our confidence as believers is in the fact that Biblical have no time frame, no relevant situations. Any transition is from one era to another knowing God is always there.

This week think about: 1) What do I think about when I alone? 2) What changes am I anticipating? 3) How well am I balancing Biblical principles in a secular world?

Words of Wisdom: “ ‘Now’ is overshadowing interest in the hereafter.”

Wisdom from the Word: “All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.” (James 1:17 NET Bible)

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)

Weekly Thought – January 15, 2019

Fred’s ability to capture the essence of culture and his discernment about the nature of mankind gave him a timeless view of the world. This week’s post is truly solid gold as it is excerpted from a 1954 speech. In the talk he mused about the challenging conditions of the world, listing some disturbing contributions of his generations. Fred was 39 at the time of these observations.

Challenges and Disturbances

My generation has given to the new generation (editor’s note: new generation at that time comprised of those born 1927-1944):

1) Religion without conviction
2) Science without conscience
3) Kinsey without marriage
4) Excitement without achievement
5) Security without effort
6) Knowledge without wisdom
7) Nightmares instead of dreams
8) Techniques without principles
9) Precepts without examples
10) Freedom without responsibility
11) The present without promise
12) The future without fruition
13) Marching orders without marching songs
14) Education without motivation
15) Prosperity without peace
16) War without reason
17) Art without beauty
18) Brotherhood without Godhood
19) Songs without souls
20) Enterprise without enthusiasm
21) Fission without feeling
22) Fusions without faith

This week think about: 1) Nearly 60 years ago Fred saw these trends. What am I seeing and passing on to the next generations? 2) How clear am I on my challenges and contributions? 3) Who am I influencing in the next generations?

Words of Wisdom: “We are giving the new generation knowledge without wisdom.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him. (2 Peter 3:15 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 18, 2018

Fred held a firm grasp on reality. His theological foundation created a basis for his thinking in all areas. Although he was not one to quote “chapter and verse,” his understanding of scripture strongly influenced his thinking and speaking. The nature of man was fundamental to his view of life. These thoughts from the late 1990s are current for today.

BWFLI is founded on the premise of God’s principles which never change. As Fred said, “the principles never change, just the illustrations.” BWF is nearly 15 years old and the campus events just completed 10 years. Over that time the truth of God’s word is the banner under which we operate. Thanks for supporting us year by year.

Fact or Fantasy

No matter how beautifully or reasonably a situation is defined, it is no more than fantasy if not based on truth. I am particularly impressed at this time with all the politicians vying for the presidency. They are telling us of the panacea they will bring to the office and the country. They list all the major problems and say with a bold gesture and big smile, “Elect me and I will make them all go away.” They tell us of all the solutions which will appear once they are in office.

They have made one big miscalculation: they have the wrong concept of human nature.

Humanity is flawed and cannot be perfected by governmental programs. Welfare, however well intentioned will create perpetual dependence unless it requires individual responsibility.

Once I fortuitously had breakfast with the well-known commentator David Susskind the morning after he debated Bill Buckley, who cut him to ribbons. But throughout Susskind maintained a gracious spirit, I opened up the breakfast by telling him I admired his attitude even through I held conservative political views. Being totally aware of his intellectual capabilities, and respectful of him, I asked, “How does a man with such intellect and learned as you take your political position?”

He replied, “In order to be a liberal you must first believe in the basic goodness of man.”

I told him his explanation allowed me to totally understand his political position. “Your statement makes your liberalism patently clear.” I went on to tell him I believed in the doctrine of man’s original sin. He said, “That is a horrible thought.” Then I asked, “Is that a thought or a fact?” Sometimes in order to control a subject we will misname it.

I further told him if I believed in the fundamental goodness of mankind I would give free education, total freedom, and financial aid. But if humanity is basically sinful and we provide privileges without responsibilities we could create monsters. I feel a great many of our programs fail because we do not understand the sin nature of humanity.

The imperfectability of humanity is a fact. Programs built on the basic goodness of mankind is built on fantasy.

This week think about: 1) How clear am I on my view of the nature of mankind? 2) What difference does my belief system make in the way I live? 3) Where do I see this tension affecting public policy?

Words of Wisdom: “I feel a great many of our programs fail because we do not understand the sin nature of humanity.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Just as it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.’” (Romans 3:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 4, 2018

Fred consistently applied Biblical principles to current situations. His ability to update his facts, keep current, and understand fundamental rules of life allowed him to constantly contribute to social conversations.

The year of 2018 is taking its final breaths, but oh, what an outstanding period for BWFLI. We created What’s Next Roundtable events for five Christian colleges and universities in Kentucky, Illinois, and Texas. We engaged students in deeper thinking about mentoring, networking, and persevering. Thank you for your support. We would certainly appreciate being included in your year-end giving.

Spiritual Light and Cultural Issues

I have been listening to an increasing number of secular panels discussing the major issues of our time and society. Everything from growing cynicism, disputes about authority, losing respect in the global community, child pornography supported by internet use, alcoholism, and drug abuse. After a few hours of these conversations my physical immobility pales in comparison to the values paralysis in our secular environment.

I have not heard any sure answers to any of the problems. Most of the participants have PhD degrees, but demonstrate a marked deficiency in the understanding of man’s nature. There is rarely, if any, mentions of spiritual solutions. And those that are given are not Biblical. These highly educated men and women seem determined to have strictly human answers for human problems.

For example, the discussion on drug abuse included a minister, a counselor, a psychologist, and an educator. For over 30 minutes they reviewed and rehearsed their wish list for solutions. None of them was convincing to me. As soon as they opened the microphone in the audience a young man said, “I have been in every jail in this area for drug abuse. The last time I said, “there must be a better way.” I went to a church looking for answers and found the love of Christ which changed my life. My addiction was cured.”

If the panel really wanted an apt answer, a workable answer, they would have questioned the young man, but the almost embarrassed facilitator simply said, “Next question or comment.” Their dismissal of his testimony indicated to me their complete misunderstanding of true solutions. They wanted a social construct, not a spiritual conversion.

I am convinced many of our experts are humanists, not willing to accept spiritual (Biblical) answers. Likewise, I believe there are two sources of knowledge: 1) humanism and 2) Biblical revelation. The humanist can be well-informed but only the person who has been infused with spiritual revelation can have more than knowledge – they can have true wisdom. That, to me, is the Christian advantage for providing answers to the problems of today’s society.

Our problems can not be solved by human intelligence alone. True solutions will come through spiritual revelation.

This week think about: 1) What problems in my community needs a spiritual solution? 2) How can spiritual revelation become real in my life, my work, my family? 3) Who can help me become wise as I seek to provide solutions?

Words of Wisdom: “They wanted a social construct, not a spiritual conversion.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 ESV)

Weekly Thought – August 14, 2018

Fred’s reputation as a successful businessman drew many for interviews. And many asking for participation in new ideas. Many came expecting to use “Christianese” to impress him, quoting verses to support their budding business plan. They were surprised to meet a “velvet-covered brick.” Fred spoke truth with grace, and directness.

Christians and Business

Going into business with someone just because he or she is a Christian doesn’t seem to make sense to me. My personal experience has been rather negative. Most of the money I have lost has been to Christians who were either greedy or inept.

Certainly it would be pleasant if we could be assured all Christians bring integrity to the operation. But, the Christian experience should not be the common denominator or the dominant element for getting together in business. I think it was St. Francis, when asked if he bought sandals from a Christian cobbler said, “My first concern is that the sandals are comfortable to walk in.”

I am convinced any deal must first be viable. And then it must be executed by individuals with expertise and integrity. If the aptitude jibes with the Christian attitude, it is a strong bond. But faith alone won’t overcome ineptitude.

In my long business career I’ve unfortunately seen many deals go sour which were supposed to be Christian. I remember one man who wrote a book on how God ran his business. His management was so poor he went under and another company had to take him over. Another acquaintance boasted God served on his board. When a hostile takeover drove the stock to nearly nothing, hurting the shareholders and all the employees, I had to suppress the temptation to wonder if God missed a few board meetings.

Sometimes individuals say to me, “Fred, I want to have a Christian business.” I appreciate their sincerity, but I always remind myself (and them) that there cannot be a Christian business. Christ did not die for corporations. He died for individuals. There can be Christians IN business, but I do not believe a business can be made Christian.

It is important to remember integrity is a Christian principle. But this does not correlate to the Christian salvation experience. Some of the most moral men I know are non-believers. They have impeccable integrity, but are spiritually lost.

This week think about: 1) What principles do I use to analyze business deals? 2) How do I judge the aptitude of a potential associate? 3) Who could be helped by this Weekly Thought?

Words of Wisdom: “Christ didn’t die for corporations; He died for individuals.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Look, you desire integrity in the inner man; you want me to possess wisdom.” (Psalm 51:6 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – September 22, 2015

Fred was once told he “didn’t understand how things are done” when he took an ethical stand requiring personal loss. Still, he held his position. He wasn’t a Don Quixote who jousted at windmills – he didn’t “take on” issues for the sake of crusading. He did, however, dig in when it came to an ethical posture, despite what the culture expected.

Do The Right Thing

The integrity of a leader often is shown in the stand he/she takes for right against mistaken popular concepts. This isn’t done to be difficult, or different, but daring to be right, avoiding the temptation to jump into the downstream flow. Christian leaders search for the biblical right and wrong in each issue.

The author Chaim Potok said a true leader is never absorbed in the stream in which he swims. Scripture would say this leader is transformed, not conformed.

Our society is facing many positions that need biblical challenge and clarification. For example, relativism, alternative lifestyles, personal responsibility versus rights, acquisition and distribution of wealth, racial reconciliation, political expediency, self-love, and the power of peer pressure.

Values and ethics have become a hot subject almost to the point of being a cultural fad. Think tanks embrace the topic; philanthropists contribute great sums for research; universities endow chairs to study the subject; and writers produce piles of best-selling volumes. However, they generally ignore the biblical imperatives, leaving the study to
human behavior.

At a Norman Vincent Peale conference on “values-based leadership,” I listened to top experts discuss the topic. I had no disagreement with their illustrations and points. However, when I spoke, I told the audience we need to root our human values in divine virtues. If we do not put down deep biblical roots, we end up controlled by our human desires which are variable due to our selfish interests.

True authenticity requires an ethical system founded in biblical virtues which have not been humanly manufactured, but discovered because they were given by God. Our authority needs to come from outside ourselves.

Newton did not create the law of gravity – he observed and codified it. Just so, we cannot create true virtue – but only discover it and make it the foundation for our values.

This week consider: 1) How are my values influenced by the culture? 2) What challenges my ethics in my work, in my home? 3) When does my thinking get fuzzy about biblical values?

Words of Wisdom: “If we do not put down deep biblical roots, we end up controlled by our human desires which are variable due to our selfish interests.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.” (John 17:14 NET Bible)