Weekly Thought – June 2, 2015

Fred defined success as the ratio between gifts given and gifts used. He saw the personal nature of this measurement. He refused to use wealth, position, or status as gauges for attaining success.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. When you email, call, or visit our Facebook group and page, we are uplifted and strengthened. The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute page on Facebook contains pictures, blog entries, and information about the activities.

Success, A Slippery Slope

Our society is permeated with the success syndrome. Recently, I heard a young motivational speaker proclaim, “Fake it ‘til you make it!” He meant to establish an image of success and then work the daylights out to get there. Somehow this seems like pedaling fast to catch up with yourself.

If we let others define our success, it is truly a slippery slope. If we follow Christ’s example, then we simply go about doing good. Once a young preacher said to me, “I can be happy just being a man of God, but that isn’t enough for my family… it isn’t enough for my board… they want me to be successful and make the church successful.” Heartbreaking, wrong-headed thinking.

I suggest to any Christian who wants to be successful he explore scripture and find a model of someone who focused totally on being successful. I can name five or six who operated with this motivation – and they all failed or were cursed. Remember the man who offered the apostles money for their spiritual gift. Maybe he intended to help people, but he wanted the credit instead of giving it to God. The apostles wisely said, in effect, “Go to Hell!”

Mother Theresa said she would not accept any honors because it took time away from her work. She did not say it was wrong for her work to be recognized, but only that it was a distraction for her. Caring for the dying was more important than receiving the Nobel Prize. She knew inner success.

Breaking Psychological Barriers

Roger Bannister did more than run the first four-minute mile in history. He broke a psychological barrier. Almost immediately others started doing what hadn’t been done before. They, too, broke the four minute barrier. Training didn’t do it. The time span between Bannister and the others was noticeably short.

Leaders need to recognize and break psychological barriers for their people.

One of the greatest I have seen is the power of the church to show people who believed they couldn’t find peace see what life can be when caught in the web of His grace. Christ broke the ultimate barrier: He rescued us from death and gave us entry into life eternal.

This week think about: 1) What is my greatest success recently? 2) How have I devised my own definition of success? 3) Who models psychological barrier breaking for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Leaders need to recognize and break psychological barriers for their people.”

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

Weekly Thought – May 12, 2015

Fred’s interest in how people think and act enabled him to serve his management consulting clients well. He operated intuitively, understanding the principles of body language, word choice, and behavior. He also studied human nature through reading, associations, and constant observation.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is an outreach of the BWF Project, Inc. which began as a way to “relevantly communicate the lifework of Fred Smith, Sr.” We now extended the work throughout the country by touching Christian college campuses with our focus on “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”

Everyone is Motivated

We use motivation as if it were only a forward motion at various speeds. This is a misunderstanding.
Those who are doing nothing are motivated to do nothing. Those who are active are motivated by activity. If we are to stimulate people with the desire to do nothing, we have to overcome the fundamental motivation to do nothing. Forward motion isn’t automatic.

I was told by a corporate president who manufactured railroad engines that the biggest problem was getting enough power to start the train rolling. Aircraft designers have to build in enough power to break the pull of gravity before they can ascend.

As leaders we need to recognize that inertia is motivation-based, not just the lack of motivation.

Creating Thirst

Dr. Howard Rome, the eminent psychiatrist, once told me: “Fred, you don’t understand motivation until you understand thirst. Motivation is satisfying a thirst.”

When Howard said that, I thought about the church. Many pastors are presenting water to non-thirsty members. The person who doesn’t want to understand scripture doesn’t listen, even to the very best teaching. Pastors who are thirsty to teach and preach the Bible must find listeners with the desire to hear. This may be one of the great frustrations in preaching.

In any situation, we must first recognize the lack of thirst and strive to create it before we can provide the satisfactory quenching they will gladly receive.

The Power of Passion

The respected church consultant, Lyle Schaller, has said, “If a pastor does not have a passion for the mission, he can forget the rest of leadership.” A passion to make a worthwhile difference is indispensable to effectiveness. Passion and vision need to work together. Passion energizes vision, and vision disciplines the passion. The clearer the vision, the greater the passion.

This week think about: 1) How clear is my vision? 2) What motivates me – to activity and inactivity? 3) When do I operate most effectively within my passion?

Words of Wisdom: “The clearer the vision, the greater the passion.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 5, 2015

Fred and Mary Alice married in June, 1937. Without money, a honeymoon was impossible. They boarded a trolley in downtown Nashville, rode to a Krystal burger restaurant and shared a slider, the little bite-sized menu item. In some ways, his mini-essays are wisdom sliders – bite-sized servings of thought.

A Real Fire

A.W. Tozer remarked that his flame might be small but it was real. It is important that the fire be authentic. One can start a forest fire with a single match, but can’t light a bonfire with a poster of a match, no matter how blazing the flame. A picture of a blowtorch remains a picture. The counterfeit life becomes old but the zeal of the dedicated life cannot be quenched.

Healthy Attrition

A certain attrition rate in leadership is healthy. The armed services actually look for a wash-out percentage… the Army has seven; the Marines have fourteen and it is rumored some drill sergeants think it should be as much as twenty-five percent!

We don’t focus on disqualifying people, but we should not keep people in our organizations who self-disqualify either by lack of character or gifts.

Making people aware of their shortcomings isn’t easy, but is crucial. I say this knowing how painful discouragement can be. It happened to me. I started out in voice lessons, hoping for an operatic career. Fortunately, I had an honest teacher. One morning after a lesson he said, “Fred, you have everything to be a successful vocal artist. You work harder than any of my other students; you have a great desire to sing well. You are only lacking one thing – talent. You are sacrificing to study with me. You can’t make it professionally, so don’t waste your life trying.”

He was so right and so courageous. He blessed me with his honesty. I went into business where I was talented.

Helping someone discern their gifts is one of the great joys. Assisting men and women to exit as well as enter careers is an act of wisdom.

Seminaries should discourage poor leaders before they assume pastoral positions and demonstrate their inabilities. Always remember what Spurgeon told his young preaching students: “Young man, if you can’t speak, you weren’t called to preach.” Certainly God can develop skills that are immature, but rarely does He call us to work for which He doesn’t gift us.

This week think about: 1) Who helped me recognize my strengths? 2) Where am I trying to follow a dream that may not be mine? 3) How real is my fire?

Words of Wisdom: “We don’t focus on disqualifying people, but we should not keep people in our organizations who self-disqualify either by lack of character or gifts.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 25, 2014

Fred and Mary Alice greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving time. For years, the entire family would gather at their house to share delicious food and great laughter. Fred sat at the head of the table, thoroughly enjoying the interchange among the family and contributing his thoughts, of course. Mary Alice lived Thanksgiving all year. Whenever the family got together she would smile and say, “Now THIS is Thanksgiving.”

We at BWF are indeed thankful to the Lord for His gracious gift of ministry. We are grateful to you all who express appreciation for the words of Fred. And your generous gifts of love continually strengthen us week by week.

Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 2)

I’ve known and seen a good many talented young people who rise rapidly in their business careers. And then, for seemingly no reason at all, they flatten out onto a plateau where they then remain for the rest of their time. After thoughtful observation, I’ve arrived at a hypothesis which satisfies me.

At first, they are alive with the physical energy of youth. They are new on the job and possess a vibrancy and zest for the game that is irresistible – even all-consuming. Competition for promotion spurs them on, and they move ahead – up the ladder of success with what appears to be inexhaustible drive.

Then at around age 40 the sheer physical drive begins to level off. A subtle change is occurring. The juices just don’t flow on command as before. And to continue the climb a second force must take over – a spiritual energy or drive. You see, for most of us life is like a two stage rocket. The first stage is sheer physical energy. It ignites and we take off. Then as physical energy diminishes, the spiritual stage must ignite to boost us on toward the heights. (more…)

Weekly Thought- November 18, 2014

Fred’s friend Steve Brown of Keylife Network reminded an audience recently of Fred’s impact. He said, “There are times when I still reach for the phone to call him and ask a question.” Many knew him for his humor, his business acumen, and many approached him for his honest approach to serious questions. This week begins a series based on a letter written to an unknown recipient who asked the question, “Can I be a Christian and still be successful.” The letter is 30 typed pages (Fred never skimped). It will be excerpted over the next six weeks.

BWFLI is actively scheduling events for 2015 and 2016. We are pleased to return to several campuses which have welcomed us over the last six years. We will also add new schools to our group of friends. Please pray as teams are organized, funds are raised, and preparations are made. You are greatly appreciated – and needed.

Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 1)

“Is it possible to enjoy success in business today and be a Christian?” “Can a person get rich and still be a Christian?” “Is it possible to live a consistent Christian life and still get ahead in a large corporation?”
These questions have been put to me on college campuses, in plush corporate board rooms, and by earnest young people expecting to claw their way up the ladder. And my answer in every case is a simple “Yes.” It is possible and I have seen it happen again and again.

But I think it is very important to understand that being a Christian will in no way insure success in anything. Rather, success comes from a single-minded application of your abilities – it comes from hard work – it is using your talents and gifts to their highest advantage. Wealth may come as a result, but then again, it may not.

This may sound particularly (and peculiarly) pious, but I believe in working for success, not praying for it. Instead, I suggest praying for maturity while working for success. (more…)

Weekly Thought – December 10, 2013

Fred revered reality.  He advised others to “stay current.”  When considering heroes, his principle held, as well.  He didn’t expect perfection from those whose lives he considered heroic.  He admired men like Lincoln, DaVinci, Edison, and the apostle Paul.  He identified their key character traits and understood their frailties.

The year is closing.  As you give, would you consider BWF?  Your tax deductible gift is necessary to grow the ministry, allowing us to expand Fred’s reach and impact.  Your encouragement through emails, calls, and donations “stimulate us to love and good works.”  Thank you so much.

Heroes Are Real People

Every generation contributes to the list of heroes.  Every age selects those whose lives reflect heroism.  Heroes inspire us and show us the heights to which the human spirit is capable.  In looking up, we are drawn upwards.

It takes times to correctly identify one.  We are better to use those with heroic qualities to remain models until a generation has passed.  True heroes arise in retrospect.  Looking back, not glancing around, is the test.  Will Rogers put it this way, “Being a hero is about the shortest-lived profession on earth.”  Genuine heroes finish well, so tapping one in mid-life is premature.

Our society seems intent on “demythologizing” our stories of valor.  It is popular to deconstruct the men and women of history, casting a shadow over the lives of those we greatly admire. The striving for a common ground on which no one ascends higher than another kills our vision.  These social experimenters want to create a way to bring our heroes down by “telling on them.”  (more…)

Weekly Thought – December 3, 2013

Fred considered those others chose as heroes to be strong indicators of their values.  He believed in the power of having someone to admire and emulate. This excerpt from You and Your Network speaks to his thoughts on the role of heroes.

As the year end quickly approaches, everyone at BWF Project wants to thank you for your constant encouragement.  A man in Florida wrote to say, “Thanks for the weekly emails.  I really learn alot from them.”  Another recently wrote to say, “These emails keep Fred alive and his wisdom applying to our lives.”

Your Heroes

We cannot live fully without heroes, for they are the stars to guide us upward.  They are the peaks on our human mountains.  Not only do they personify what we can be, if we diligently pursue our ideals in the furnace of our opportunities.

Heroes are those who have changed history for the better.  They are not always the men and women of highest potential, but those who have exploited their potential in society’s behalf.  Their deeds are done not for the honor, but for the duty.  Through our study of heroes we enter the realities of greatness.

Heroes are the personification of our ideals, the embodiment of our highest values.  A society writes its diary by naming its heroes.  We are individuals do the same.  When Socrates said, “Talk, young man, that I might know you.”  He could have added, “Talk of your heroes, that I might know not only who you are, but who you will become.”     (more…)

Weekly Thought – October 15, 2013

Fred enjoyed connecting friends with others.  Way before networking was a commonly accepted business practice, Fred understood its value.  And it was always for mutual benefit, never for manipulation or selfish ends.

As you are reading this, the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute team of 21 will be “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders…for the glory of God” at East Texas Baptist University.  Thank you for praying for God’s work. Breakfast With Fred is reader-supported and we are asking you to support us with donations large or small at this important time.

You and Your Network

Networking is the way most things happen.  Great achievers have always understood the necessity of organized assistance.

Successful businesses depend on a network built of suppliers, customers, government agencies, stockholders, employees, and management.

The human body is probably the oldest network — the many parts are connected.  The foot depends on the eyes to keep from stumbling… and the eye depends on the eyebrow to keep sweat from running down.      (more…)