Weekly Thought – January 27, 2026

Fred influenced men and women of many generations. His wisdom appealed to young and old. Often he provided a fatherly (and even grandfatherly) ear. He was always interested, but never curious. He carried countless confidences with him to heaven.

The Gift of Giving

It’s very easy to make people believe God needs our gift. But this is “stinking thinking,” as my friend Zig Ziglar says. God is sovereign, He doesn’t really need our money. But, we need to give in order to mature spiritually. Many of us are spiritually dwarfed by our refusal to give because our money is where our ego is located. Giving is the drain plug for our greed.

A very wealthy man was approached by a large community charity for a donation. He said, “Well, I’ve had my wealth for only a short time. Why don’t you let the old money give and let me keep mine for awhile and get used to it?”

A lot of people mask their greed by saying, “I’ll give later.” One of my friends delayed giving because he said his investment strategy was multiplying the money so fast the Lord couldn’t put it anywhere and do better, so it was good stewardship to keep it. And he planned to eventually give it. This financial giant was sadly a spiritual pygmy.

Discernment and a sense of humor are both required for effective giving. I was once solicited by a Christian organization which told me God would be so pleased with me for giving to them, He would return my gift tenfold. I had a hard time not sending them the letter I wrote telling them their offer was such a good deal they should send me a gift and then they could keep God’s ten time multiple….it seemed like a much better use of their money.

As Christians, we need to help each other develop a fear of the love of money – a fear of the power of money, not a fear of money. We need to encourage each to see giving as part of growth and not just a duty to be completed with gritted teeth or avoided altogether.

This week think about: 1) What motivates me to give? 2) How can I continue to grow in my giving? 3) How am I teaching others to give?

Words of Wisdom : “Giving is the drain plug for our greed.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone.” (Philippians 4: 15 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – January 6, 2026

Fred taught frequently on money. He respected it, understanding its power for good and evil. Robert L. Deffinbaugh, chair of the BWF Project board, commented recently that the themes of money (greed and thievery) and lying are intertwined in gospel accounts. For example, Ananias, Sapphira and Judas. Fred’s wisdom on the subject brought many to his office for conversations.

Money Alert

Money has such a strange hold on us. I think it is might be helpful to tell this story as a warning: A young, successful man brought me his financial statement, showing assets comfortably in the multiple millions. He asked for my thinking on a deal which could easily increase his worth ten times. It was highly speculative – a sort of Russian roulette in the money game.

I asked what he and his family could do with ten times the wealth that they couldn’t already do with the millions they already possessed. I was trying to smoke out his ego without hurting his feelings. I wasn’t going to make his decision for him. And I wasn’t dismissing his opportunity to become enormously rich.

However, I felt a responsibility to him so I shared with him a rule which has guided my thinking, especially when the children were young. “I have no need to be extremely rich, but I have a great need not to be broke.” I didn’t speculate on deals that would materially alter our family’s lifestyle. I never felt I was justified in gambling my family’s future just to amass great wealth.

It might be nice to be envied by the business community or at the club. But it’s just too dangerous for the family.

He understood my point and pointedly disagreed. He went ahead, lost everything, and fell into a tragic bankruptcy. I felt more for his family than for him. He was a gambler, but his family wasn’t.

I am always curious when I see someone obviously living to make money. I suspect they may have figured out a way go through life twice – the first time making money and the second enjoying it. I’m not this smart, so I figure I will make it and utilize it once.

This week think about: 1) How much is enough? 2) What would change if I were worth 10x more? 3) When am I tempted by greed or lying because of money?

Words of Wisdom: “I have no need to be extremely rich, but I have a great need not to be broke.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For wisdom provides[a] protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 29, 2025

Fred understood the stewardship of everything he had… everything! He and Mary Alice taught their children the responsibility – and the joy – of giving. They also encouraged them to understand how God designed them and how to best use those gifts to His glory.

Fiscal Fidelity

The truth about money has been known for a long time. Aristotle called money “barren.” Not because it doesn’t bring benefits, but because the emotions it evokes are among the lowest on his the ancient philosopher’s hierarchy of values. The feelings invoked by money just don’t compare with the nobler emotions of love, patriotism, and religion. The men and women whose greatest emotional energy is reserved for money knows nothing of the higher emotional life.

Money can bring fun – even happiness – but not ultimate joy if it is only money for money’s sake. After all, it has no intrinsic ability to elevate the intellect or spirit. In fact, the pure, exclusive love of gold often blocks the love for all else that is higher and nobler. How pitiful the struggle for wealth becomes when compared to the struggle for freedom, the search for truth, the drive for fulfillment in serving each other.

However, money is one of life’s greatest necessities. To disparage money out of hand and per se is to demonstrate an ignorance of life’s fundamental rules. When people what I think about money I tell them, “I think of it like I do blood – I make blood to live, not live to make blood.” I do not live to make money, but I fully understand I must make money to live.

In my mind money has always represented option. The options that money make possible are part of its utility. It is important to understand the principle: having an abundance of choices (options) doesn’t necessarily mean that we have the ability to use them well.

Mary Alice and I tried to instill this into our children. Unlike our backgrounds, our children were raised in an affluent neighborhood. We wanted them to have a healthy view of money – and understand the responsibilities, as well. They grew up hearing me say, “Remember – money is a tool, not an idol.”

I have been poor, and I have been financially comfortable – I would be kidding if I didn’t say I preferred the latter. But having money and loving money are poles apart. Money requires discipline as do the decisions that money makes possible.

This week consider carefully: 1) What makes the difference between money as a tool, not an idol? 2) What are the appropriate uses of money for me, and my family? 3) Who models the healthy, mature use of money?

Words of Wisdom: “Money is a tool, not an idol.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the love of money is the root of all evils.” (I Timothy 6:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – December 27, 2022

Fred thought topically. His faithful assistant of nearly 20 years filled binders and file folders with content, much of which was “scatter shooting” on various ideas. As we finish the year enjoy three brief memos about money.

Thinking about Money

Money is one of life’s greatest necessities. To disparage it is to show ignorance of how life works. It is as important to life as blood is to the body and bears the same relationship. It is necessary means, but not an end. We make blood to live; not live to make blood. Likewise, I make money to live; not live to make money.

I have explained to our children that “money is option.” With it you have a multitude of choices. Without it you are limited. However, money does not bring with it the sense of responsibility needed to choose the right options. When we get into trouble, it isn’t money that is the cause, but the irresponsibility and poor decisions. The best use of money requires character.

I am suspicious of one who claims to have been “blessed” with money. I always have a sneaking feeling the person thinks he at least partially deserves the riches. Too often I get the idea they congratulate God on His choice of recipient. The person who refers to money as a stewardship with which they are entrusted is more likely to use it more wisely and unselfishly.

It is better to decide to become a philanthropist before riches come for afterwards it may be too easy to choose to become a materialist or a miser. Objectivity is easier before accumulating the money. Most misers admit they intended to be philanthropic but just never made quite enough money to start giving it away.

A pastor friend told me a man (not a member of his congregation) came to see him for prayer. “Pastor, when my wife and I had very little we had no trouble tithing. Now we have great multiples of what we had then and just cannot sufficiently give. Would you pray for me?” My friend invited the man to pray, bowed his head, and started “God, you hear this brother’s quandary. They were faithful in little but struggle with much. Therefore, I ask you to take away the money and get them back to where it was easy to give.” The man jumped up, “No, pastor!” and quickly left the office.

This week think carefully about: 1) How healthy is my relationship to money? 2) What challenges do I face with the options money gives? 3) Who is a good model for me as a wise money manager?

Words of Wisdom: “I make money to live; I don’t live to make money.”

Wisdom from the Word: “It goes well for the one who generously lends money, and conducts his business honestly.” (Psalm 112:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 18, 2020

Fred developed a reputation for his thinking on money. He taught his children money was “option…that it was a tool, not an idol.” He and Mary Alice lived out those principles. He was asked to address a large Baptist group of laymen on the topic of stewardship. Knowing “stewardship” usually connotes money, he covered three other major areas before even broaching the topic of money. This week’s email is an abbreviated version of his thoughts about giving.

Money Sense

When I was asked to speak on stewardship I know you expected the entire address to be on money, specifically giving money. However, the topic is much broader and I want to spend the first minutes outlining three other areas:
relations, identity, and talents. Then I will briefly give you my thinking on the stewardship of money.

I resent a great deal of the teaching on money. It strikes me that those people who refer to being “blessed” with money would be much better off to say “entrusted.” Those who talk about being blessed give me the feeling they feel God has chosen the right one and He couldn’t have made a better decision. I think it is an affront to the poor.

Likewise, I think it is wrong to teach that we can bribe God. Too many feel tithing puts them in a better position with God – that He owes them. I believe the tithe was a scheme to allow the rich to get out of significant giving. However, it is a very good starting point.

I have a good friend who pastors a well-to-do church. A member of his congregation made an appointment to see him with a “serious spiritual problem.” “Pastor, when I was poor I gave faithfully. As my wealth increased my struggle with giving the 10% increased. It has become a severe obstacle.” My friend responded immediately, “Let’s pray.” Eagerly the man bowed his head as the prayer began, “Father, you know how our brother here struggles with the problem of giving from such a high income. Would you please reduce it until he is comfortable giving 10% again?” At this point, the man jumped up, “NO! Pastor – that isn’t what I wanted,” as he hurriedly retreated.

When I was working 6 days a week making $6 I gave $.60. My income has increased many times that, but if I hadn’t given that $.60 I couldn’t give 6 figures now.

Let me give you three points on giving:

1) I never enjoyed giving until I started giving more than 10%. Recently I have been engaged with a friend who struggles with alcoholism. I learned about recidivism and staying sober for 20 years then relapsing. Those who fight for abstinence never reach the freedom of those who reach the joy of sobriety. Those who dutifully fight to give 10% may never enjoy it. Those who give out of love forget about the percentage, net/gross, or any other thing. They have the joy of giving.

2) Giving is the only drain pipe I know for our greed. I am convinced it is the answer to the greediness of our soul. We are fundamentally sinful and I believe God gave us the privilege of giving to detoxify our soul.

3) Giving is the ultimate freedom. My mentor Maxey Jarman gave millions of dollars to Christian ministries. At the end of his life he encountered severe financial difficulties. “Maxey, have you ever thought of the millions you gave away?” “Of course I have, but do you realize I never lost a dime of what I gave away – I only lost what I kept.” Many who are waiting to give money ought to be giving it right now. When we have it in our hands to give, that is the time. We don’t know how fast that money can be gone and we lose the privilege of giving.

This week think about: 1) When I think about stewardship, what immediately comes to mind? 2) How joyful am I in my giving? 3) What gifts should I be making now?

Words of Wisdom: “It strikes me that those people who refer to being ‘blessed’ with money would be much better off to say ‘entrusted.’”

Wisdom from the Word: “The one who loves money will never be satisfied with money, he who loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income. This also is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 18, 2019

Fred and Mary Alice devoted themselves to fiscal soundness. Growing up in economically depressed situations, they never outgrew their belief in financial responsibility. His thoughts on family budgeting fly in the face of incurring debt and hoping to out run the creditors.

Family Budgeting

Budgeting is done each year. I look back at the prior year, seeing how much money was spent on each category, then decided what amounts needed to be assigned for the present year. Planning always allows for outgo to be less than income. Items like savings, giving, and investment are integral parts of the overall budget.

We separated our needs from our wants from the very beginning. We needed safe transportation so we bought a used car, never a new one. We needed a comfortable home in a secure neighborhood, but never a luxurious one. Mary Alice fed us well, so we minimized our eating out.

Originally, at the beginning of our marriage we set our lifestyle to live on 80% of our income (which was $208 per month); 10% to savings and 10% to tithing. As the income grew we lived on a lower percentage and increased our savings, giving, and investment. Never did we live above our income.

We never bought on the installment plan because we wanted to make interest on our money, not pay it. We determined to pay cash for all luxuries. Mary Alice was given operating money for her part of the budget. She had a separate checking account she managed and I never controlled. We divided the budget into percentages, not dollar amounts. Mary Alice took 25% to run the household. My 75% covered all other expenses, including housing, transportation, insurance, savings, contributions, vacations, and my own personal expenses.

We focused on realistic needs, not wants. And even as our income increased we didn’t increase our spending, but rather increased our saving, giving, and investment. Eventually we lived on 50% of our income.

When our children were in college we bought a second home in Southern Pines, NC. Our friends were all shocked for they had no idea we were financially capable of that expenditure. Living at a 50% level provides freedom.
I want to say a word about my philosophy of money. Money is important, extremely important. I think of it like blood. I make blood to live, but I don’t live to make blood. Money is option. With it you have opportunities; without it your options and opportunities are greatly reduced. Money doesn’t determine your worth. The amount of money you have represents accumulation, not a measure of worth. Savings provide moral freedom. I knew as a young man how critical it was to have enough saved that I could walk away from a job that asked me to do something illegal or immoral. And finally, materialism is often an idol. Giving is the drain plug for greed.
My budget plan isn’t set in concrete. This is just the way Mary Alice and I did it. It worked well for us and I hope you find a philosophy that works well for you.

This week think about: 1) Do I have a philosophy of money? 2) What is my definition of enough? 3) How does money influence my lifestyle decisions?

Words of Wisdom: “And even as our income increased we didn’t increase our spending, but rather increased our saving, giving, and investment.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.’” (Hebrews 13:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 24, 2018

Fred once counseled “You never really know a person until you have counted money with them.” His generosity was never trumpeted. He gave to specific needs, not naming opportunities. He once said one of his questions for heaven was why ministry and money were so closely connected.

Three Giving Points

Giving can be a complicated discussion, but there are three simple points I have found:

1) I never enjoyed giving until I started giving more than the tithe. Recently, I have been close to a dear friend with a drinking problem. In fact, he spent $50,000 (in 1980 dollars) in one clinic. He is a man of substance and international reputation. He has shared the material he has on the subject. One of the most intriguing studies shows that someone may be sober for 20 years then go back to drinking. I wondered about the reason. It was actually very simple: those who went back were staying sober by following the rules and consistently working at it. Those who reached the “joy of sobriety” were much more inclined to stay sober and rarely go back. Those who stress and strain to give a tithe never really enjoy it. Those who give out of love rarely get caught up in the “gross or net,” “tithe or offering” debates. They reach the joy of giving.

2) Giving is the only drain I know for greed. If we want to drain the greed out of our souls, I think we can only do it by giving. Since I grew up poor I understand that environment. And since our financial condition has greatly increased I can appreciate the dynamics of the monied. The sin of the poor is envy and the sin of the rich is greed. We hear much about the sin of greed, but I think envy is much less productive, giving only ulcers. However, Christians should not be known as greedy (or envious). Giving pulls the plug on the desire to excessively accumulate.

3) Maxey Jarman taught me money can be temporary. After he gave millions of dollars to missions worldwide his financial situation seriously deteriorated. I asked him if he ever thought about the millions he had given away. “Of course I have, but do you realize I never lost a dime of what I gave away – I only lost what I kept.” For those who are waiting to give money, this should be a great inspiration to give now.

I do not believe God is fundamentally interested in your money, but in your maturity. If you will show me your calendar and your checkbook I can write your biography. I will know how you spend your time and money. Where those resources are is where your treasure resides.

Some people try to substitute service for giving and others try to substitute giving for service. Neither can be done – both are required for maturity. You are being dishonest and Christian growth doesn’t come through a dishonest process.

This week think about: 1) How much joy do I find in giving? 2)What measure do I use to gauge my greed factor? 3) How loosely do I hold onto things?

Words of Wisdom: “I do not believe God is fundamentally interested in your money, but in your maturity.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.’” (Hebrews 13:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 23, 2017

Fred’s practical approach gave him an objectivity that helped many. He rarely got caught up in seeing something from one vantage point – he liked to consider all angles. And, he didn’t make judgments about decisions (unless they were clearly un-Biblical or downright stupid!) His ability to look at giving through a neutral eye made him an excellent counselor.

Would you all pray for BWFLI as we begin our new initiative: the “What’s Next” conference in 2018 and the “What’s Next Roundtables”… both will explore mentoring, networking, and everyday living faith in depth.

Typology of Gifting

When I look at gifts I try to break them down into categories. Sitting on boards and being close to ministries has given me ample opportunity for this research. Money and ministry are inextricably tied together – often to the dismay of all concerned.

Giving is more than turning over ownership of an asset.

1) Gift as gift. The purest gift is the one that is anonymous. We know about the gift, but the giver is held in anonymity. We think of these not just in amount, but in motive. The classical Biblical example is the widow who quietly gave without throwing the coins into the metal container with pomp and noise. I find that it is sometimes easier to donate smaller amounts anonymously rather than the larger. My friend and mentor Maxey Jarman told of a fundraising dinner which gave people the opportunity to stand up and make open pledges. He said one gentleman stood up, introduced himself, his wife, named his business, gave its location, and then loudly proclaimed they were giving $5000 anonymously!

2) Purchase posing as a gift. In this situation the giver buys recognition or social position. I know of an extremely successful fundraiser who hosts a club for like-minded donors. The catch: You have to give $10,000 each year to belong to the club. I think it would be more accurate to think of this as an expense, rather than a gift. Being known as a member of this club sets one above others. The price of admission really isn’t about giving. Another friend promised a ministry $20million in stock, but kept ownership in order to vote the stock and control the corporation. Ironically, by the time his gift was received by the ministry the value had dropped from $50/share to $1.

3) Attention. This may be crass, but I know people who have discovered the power of being a potential major donor. They receive all the benefits and privileges of those who give but without actually donating. Sadly, too many organizations are afraid to offend such people with “great giving capacity” and treat them with deference.

4) Investment. Donors often speak of their giving in terms of ROI (return on investment). Kingdom work is often difficult to put through a metrics and measurements exercise. Do not misunderstand me. I want ministries to operate with the absolute best practices, for that is excellent stewardship. But there is an element to God’s work that doesn’t fit into a neat formula. I once asked a friend to give to a struggling minister doing excellent, but small, work in the inner city. He quickly informed me he didn’t give to small things. He gave only to those who had the capacity to change the entire system, not just a piece of it.

The philosophy of giving to get back is an example of investment thinking. The human multiplier effect fails when applied to God’s work. He does give an increase, but not because we have manipulated Him.

This week think about: 1) Where is my heart (and my head) when I give? 2) Who can I talk with about proper giving? 3) How can I be helpful to ministries as they think about money?

Words of Wisdom: “Kingdom work is often difficult to put through a metrics and measurements exercise.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 16, 2017

Fred was allergic to fluff. He didn’t appreciate those who tried to bamboozle him with lofty, spiritualized financial appeals. And, he didn’t want to be anyone’s “center of influence.” His gift of discernment gave him an objectivity which enabled him to give with insight and wisdom.

Giving to BWFLI is a way you can participate in the “stretching and blessing of the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.” We ask for your help as we continue our campus work.

Intentions of the Heart and Purse

Not everyone gives for the same reason. Over the years I have known men and women who give high dollar gifts… and those who give the $5.00 donations. Billy Graham once said their ministry operated on the $5 gifts from men and women who stood with them in prayer.

Here are a few (certainly not an exhaustive list, but one that will get you thinking) I have noticed:

1) Tax deduction. “I prefer to give to the church rather than to the government.” Our tax laws currently favor charitable giving, but this may not always be the case. Giving as a tax strategy is usually more mental and emotional.

2) Peer pressure. A well-known CEO had the reputation of being a major fundraiser. In actuality, his gift were relatively small, but he had the ability to “suggest” to those who worked for him and did business with him that certain charitable organizations would be helped by their money. Often I get letters from non-profits listing their donors in descending monetary order. Some consultant told them most people like to do “what other people like them” do.

3) Emergency response. Another strategy is sending out SOS letters to donors under the banner of “we need your help NOW!” There are those who quickly respond to such pleas and feel they are jumping in to hold up the organization at a critical time. The problem with this is the sense we get when we see retail stores holding “going out of business “sales for years on end. Non-profits which hope to spur giving with SOS alerts risk creating doubt.

4) Legacy. Some foundations give when the understanding their name will be attached prominently to the gift. A fundraiser friend of mine always looks at “naming opportunities” when he first enters a facility. There is nothing wrong with giving to an organization and receiving public recognition. But one must be careful about the possibility of manipulation.

5) Obedience. If done out of respect and love, this is an excellent motive. If it is fear driven, then it is weak. A new Christian with great wealth was told by others he would be punished by God and stripped of his assets if he didn’t give super generously to the church. Obedient giving is not to obligate God but to obey Him.

6) Gratitude and love. Christian gratitude should start at Calvary and show itself in our consistent love. True love is extravagant, spontaneous, and natural.

7) God’s glory. When we give for His glory, we must be careful not to try to share the glory because God says He will not share with anyone. To give for His glory drives others to see Him for who He is.

This week think about: 1) What do I think about when I give? 2) How extravagant am I in my love for God? 3) What gives me the greatest joy in giving?

Words of Wisdom: “Obedient giving is not to obligate God, but to obey Him.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – May 9, 2017

Fred’s generosity covered financial support, but also the use of wisdom, time, and presence. His thoughts on giving were often sought by those who wanted to be good stewards. His ability to “sit loose to things” (a phrase he gleaned from Oswald Chambers) allowed him to give with great freedom.

Thank you for your ongoing support as BWFLI continues to impact Christian college and university campuses. Since our first event in 2008 we have brought 16 teams in contact with over 15,000 students. Your continued friendship through prayer and financial giving is greatly appreciated.

Giving With Joy

Money is an important scriptural concern. It shapes life in America as much or more than any other single item.

Here are several principles to consider for personal giving and also while leading others to give with integrity.

1) Giving may be harder than earning. A lifestyle of giving away money may be both difficult and dangerous. I say difficult because profitable stewardship requires a new and often more difficult discipline than making the money. It is dangerous because many temptations confront those with money to give.

2) Giving must move from duty to joy. The sheer administrative monotony of philanthropy can steal the joy. Administration is constant and often kills the delight. Freedom comes in crossing the line from duty to joy. Theologically, freedom comes in moving from works to grace.

3) Generous giving is a lifestyle. This involves more than the money or appreciated assets, techniques, or programs. It involves our spiritual maturity. How often am I willing to pray, “Lord, prosper me financially in proportion to my spiritual maturity?” What a snare if we try to bribe God with financial gifts to rationalize our failure to offer Him our spiritual gifts.

4) Motive is imperative. Biblical wisdom tells us “Out of the heart are the issues of life.” In the New Testament the story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us of wrong motives. As you remember, they claimed to donate 100%, but in actually held some back for themselves. They were greedy for credit and it cost them their lives. Their sin wasn’t in the reduced gift – it was the increased greed.

Obedient giving is not to obligate God, but to follow Him. We need to give – He doesn’t need the money. The glory which accrues to Him is the goal – along with our maturity.

This week think about: 1) How serious am I about my giving? 2) When I consider my stewardship do I just think about money? 3) What will increase my joy in giving?

Words of Wisdom: “Theologically, freedom comes in moving from works to grace.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the LORD examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him, but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently.” (1 Chronicles 28:9 NET Bible)