The Practicality of Faith

Weekly Thought – April 23, 2019

Fred grounded his faith in scripture. His profound belief in God and His Word formed his foundation. He did not spend time trying to justify objections from non-believers. He valued intellectual integrity, but didn’t “put much stock” in endless debates trying to prove God.

BWF Project, Inc. has large goals for 2019. We are excited about the work that is ahead. And thank you, as always, for your faithful participation with us.

The Practicality of Faith

Being immobilized and bedridden, I watch a great deal of educational television (or so they name it). Recently I heard four scholars discuss the authenticity of the Bible. On another night archaeologists discussed the discovery of Noah’s Ark. They followed Biblical directions to Mount Ararat. After a group of my friends lost real money on an oil exploration in Israel based on the existence of tar pits as described in scripture, I find such endeavors less credible.

I watched a long program discussing the historical evidence validating the resurrection. I acknowledge there are weighty Biblical scholars who major in the area of scriptural validation and verification. I choose to accept its authority and authenticity by faith. What it says I believe.

I certainly applaud those who are gifted to study the historicity of scripture, but it cannot be just an academic exercise – it has to be taken beyond that to a faith position.

My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.

Those who search for Biblical antiquities like the Ark assuming its discovery will cause non-believers to immediately turn to faith in Christ are operating on sight, not faith. I am not diminishing their scientific enterprise, but to think salvation comes through seeing the Ark seems counter to scripture. Those who are blinded to spiritual truth will continue to be so, even in the presence of the original Ark.

I had a preacher friend who became popular in Hollywood, divorced his wife, and married a young, more glamorous woman. When we met sometime later he said, “Fred, I have become a Universalist, let’s discuss religion.” I said, “There’s no point discussing what you want and need to believe.” The humanist is not going to accept the Biblical definition of truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”

At a couples’ retreat I was drawn into an intellectual discussion about comparative religions (against my better judgment). I thought I was holding my own until one of the wives broke in to say, “I don’t understand one word you all are talking about. All I know is that I love Jesus.”

I am not saying faith is putting your mind on the shelf. After all, we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are to be faithful “dividers of the word.” But we aren’t to spend our time on useless debates. And we are to be prepared to defend the hope that is within us. But it isn’t to be an intellectual dueling match.

My own prayer is, “Lord, I believe – help thou my unbelief.” I don’t need proof – I need obedience.

This week think about: 1) What do I accept by faith? 2) How apt am I to get into circular arguments about religion? 3) What is my source of authority?

Words of Wisdom: “My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.” (Genesis 15:6 NET Bible)

Prayerfulness

Weekly Thought – April 16, 2019

Fred’s exceptional verbal skills often made him the “go to guy” for public prayer. He preferred to keep prayer private. The frequent competition seen (and heard) by vocationals prompted Fred’s hesitation. His family remembers their Dad on his knees beside the bed in earnest prayer. That image taught them the reality of his faith.

BWF Project is undertaking several major projects in 2019: upgrading You and Your Network, a book based on the What’s Next Roundtable, and website reconstruction. We are thankful as you stand with us in this exciting year.

Prayerfulness

Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. Marvelous that a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.

One of psychiatrists who helped select the first astronauts told me about the one of the tests they used. They needed to see how much they could withstand in total isolation. He said some could go indefinitely. When they did further examinations, they discovered these were the ones who could pray. If we could only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.

Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request affect God’s love for others? How can my prayer influence His activity in their lives? Yet, in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Frankly, I would be so frustrated if I didn’t have the opportunity to pray for others when there is absolutely nothing else I could do for them.

Often people will say to me, “At least I can pray for you.” I remind them praying is the most they can do for me. I have never felt the number of those praying is the vital point. I do not believe God is impressed with celebrity Christians. I think of saints who are known only to a small circle of friends, who endure hardships, and pray with devotion and power. I think of those who prayed for me as I grew up in the Mill District of Nashville with little material resources, but great faith. I felt like the sweet widow lady’s prayers were just as effective as those of Billy Graham. I do not think God is a politician who counts votes and is influenced by the numbers. Still, I am grateful for each and every one who encourages me by saying, “Fred, I am praying for you.”

The other day I found a bit of humor when I thought of all those who have said, “after your near death experiences it is evident God has more work for you to do.” A friend then not-so-gently reminded me that maybe heaven just isn’t ready for Fat Fred. I pray for you as you pray for me. The comfort of this communion is marvelous and mysterious. Prayer is one of God’s greatest tools and gifts.

This week think about: 1) How am I growing in my prayer life? 2) What is my answer to “why do you pray?”3) Who is on my intercession list?

Words of Wisdom: “In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “O LORD, I come before you in prayer.” (Psalm 25:1 NET Bible)

The Four M’s of Goal Setting

Weekly Thought – April 9, 2019

Fred had great interest in simplifying ideas so they could be easily handled and implemented. He highly respected Einstein who said:” Everything should be as simple as possible, but not simpler.” He had a great ability to take large quantities of information and distill it down to manageable concepts. He learned much from other leaders and liked taking thoughts, and the expanding them with his own thoughts.

The Four M’s of Goal Setting

I found the difference between seeing something as a challenge or a threat is very simple – it is planning. You know I have always stressed the importance of direction over a singular emphasis on goals, but setting targets is very important. At the beginning of every year I sit down and carefully look at certain areas of my life, setting marks for the next 12 months. My friend Bob (Robert) Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral, talked on goals and used these four M words. They triggered my thinking. So, I want to share four qualities of worthy goals using Bob’s M words and my comments.

1) Meaningful – how much of my life am I willing to swap for this goal? Is it a worthy goal? Is it a long term goal which has long range benefits?

2) Marvelous – how exciting or energizing is this goal? Getting started is always my problem. I fight procrastination. In fact, I once thought it would be a great idea to start a national association for procrastinators. I would certainly be glad to start it, but I just can’t seem to get around to it. On my desk I keep one word: START. I find if I will just start, I will finish. It is the starting that is difficult. A philosopher said, “Start, and your brain will warm up.”

3) Measurable – how specific is it? We had a sales manager who used to ask the salesmen at the beginning of the year how much they wanted to make that year. If any of them said with a laugh, “More!” he would say very seriously, “That not a goal – that’s a wish.” Whenever someone makes the comment in Peter Drucker’s hearing “That is a good man,” he responds, “Good for what?”

4) Manageable – Can this goal be controlled as life unfolds and flexible enough to fit the circumstances? Effective goals are realistic and fit within my talents and opportunities. Too many live in a fantasy world thinking they can do anything they dream about. I heartily disagree. There are some things I will never do, no matter how hard I try. For example, I will never be a jockey. Goals have to operate within the realm of possibility.

Making the most of your time is critical to the efficient and effective use of goal setting. And, as I said earlier. I prefer to stress the importance of setting and assessing the direction I am taking. It is easy to move a degree or two off track and end up thousands of miles away from the targets, goals, and accomplishments.

This week think about: 1) How am I doing with my desired direction? 2) Which of the M words sparks my thinking? 3) What can I do to ensure the best use of my time?

Words of Wisdom: “I found the difference between seeing something as a challenge or a threat is very simple – it is planning.”

Wisdom from the Word: “May he grant your heart’s desire; may he bring all your plans to pass!” (Psalm 20:4 NET Bible)

Christ and the Abundant Life

Weekly Thought – April 2, 2019

Fred particularly appreciated the writings of Paul. In his latter days he quoted the words from Romans 5 in which the Apostle said “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.” He learned each day about the abundance of freedom in Christ. These thoughts of Fred’s will bring hope and encouragement.

During 2019 BWF is working on both www.breakfastwithfred.com and www.bwfli.com to bring new content, greater functionality, and ease of use. This project will enable us to further the reach, deepen the impact, and preserve the lifework of Fred Smith, Sr. Your prayer and financial support is greatly appreciated as we undertake this major effort.

Christ and the Abundant Life

Christ said: “I came to give you life, a abundant life.” I have been thinking about what abundant life really means. I certainly think the foundation is the purpose of Christ’s coming – to provide and assure us of eternal salvation. Too often we do not appreciate enough the abundance of our salvation. We are not even conscious of the true salvation. The richness of His grace will only be fully realized in heaven. There I will “see as I am seen, and know as I am known.” There I will understand the abundance.

Another aspect is freedom. Without Christ’s freedom we cannot do the things that abundant living calls for. Steve Brown calls it “scandalous freedom.” I like that. Too many run around claiming freedom and liberty when it is really just license and irresponsibility. The abundant life flows from true freedom.

I am convinced the third part of the abundant life is usefulness for Him and the Kingdom. Genuine usefulness and productivity comes from our acceptance of eternal life. Freedom is really a reaction to the love of God. We love because He loved us. We are helpful and useful because He loves us and creates a place of service for us.

An important aspect of abundance is joy. The Apostle Paul constantly referred to joy, especially in his prison letters. That is hard for us to understand. Too often we confuse happiness and ease with real joy. I think joy is founded on the love of God. When we think of His love it is a source of true joy, despite our condition – or even our spiritual maturity. This is the way I like to think of joy and happiness. One is a pleasing rain; the other is a deep well. The rain of happiness can be random and spasmodic; joy is an aquafer which provides an ongoing source.

I cannot define the abundant life without considering peace. This is not a common trait, especially in these days of upheaval and turmoil. As individuals in this world, we will have tribulation. The ability to have peace with acceptance and gratitude for suffering is the result of our loving God and knowing He loves us. It is the overflow of the abundant life.

The abundant life is relationship with God, ever hour in and with Him and His will. We hear people saying, “Now THIS is living – this is the good life.” They are speaking materialistically. They eagerly draw others to join in the race. Personally, I believe there is no financial component to the super abundant life in Christ. This authentic, genuine abundant life is about Him – His power, His peace, and His joy. I can say with assurance “Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!”

This week think about: 1) How do I define the abundant life? 2) What is bringing me to spiritual maturity? 3) Who needs the encouragement of Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “I can say with assurance ‘Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!’”

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)

The Big Three

Weekly Thought – March 26, 2019

Fred respected the mission of the church. He refused to join into sarcasm and public criticism. He was not unaware of the soft spots, but he addressed them as a member of the family, not a critic. He was the fourth born child of a Southern Baptist pastor. He saw the gloriousness of the God and the goriness of mankind growing up. However, he always kept his eyes focused on the ultimate nature of the Bride.

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The Big Three

Within the life of any church, there are three broad-based umbrella areas speaking to the purpose of the church and the mandate which is drawn from that purpose and vision. 1) The salvation of the lost 2) The maturing of the saints; and 3) The spiritual community and fellowship of believers. All evaluations of a local church’s mission and activities need to proceed from these three fundamentals.

Each local church may put more focus on one or another of these three legs, but they should all be visible. How they weight them will affect their mission statements and strategic planning. For example, a church with the belief its mandate is evangelism will develop tactical action steps turned toward the unsaved. They will develop outreach programs. They will ask questions like: “What actions are we taking to win the lost? What are the specific programs which focus on evangelism? How are organizing and evaluating those programs? How best can we speak to the nonbeliever?”

According to church consultant Lyle Schaller, as much as 85% of “church growth” is actually transfer growth. Sadly, there are churches who wave the banner of evangelism who are really just spiritual poachers, robbing members from other congregations.

The maturing of believers requires its own strategic plan. The first step is to define “mature Christian.” Then the church must look at ways which this can be accomplished. The measurement of maturity isn’t clear cut. Certainly there are Scriptural examples of men and women who follow Biblical principles and help grow others. Leaders must design not only a plan, but an assessment. “Is the congregation growing in grace? What tells us we are stronger followers of Christ? What sermon series helped in the maturation process? How did our other programs point believers to Christ? What are the outward signs of inward change?”

It is too easy to think of fellowship as food and get-togethers. It is easy to confuse social activity for spiritual fellowship. Even small groups are prone to deteriorate into social gatherings without direction and specific goals. The idea of connection and community is central to Scripture, but it is to be focused around the Word and the moving forward in faith. There is nothing wrong with a good casserole and a big piece of pie (I wasn’t known as Fat Fred for nothing!), but it is key to differentiate between Biblical fellowship and just good old down-home socializing. Spiritual fellowship should have elements of accountability, strengthening, and belonging. And most of all, fellowship should be about encouraging one another to strive for Christlikeness.

Finally, it is important to distinguish a program from a mandate. Programs come and go – as they should. Leaders should always be looking at programs in light of the proper relationship to the mandate. If they aren’t pushing the mandate forward, they should be cut.

This week carefully consider: 1) How am I helping my local church clarify and follow the mandate? 2) What do I see as the central focus of my church? 3) Which programs in my church do I find most helpful in my spiritual growth?

Words of Wisdom: “It is important to distinguish a program from the mandate.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things God had done with them.” (Acts 15:4 NET Bible)

Destructive Leadership

Weekly Thought – March 19, 2019

Fred studied leadership his entire life. He read, but the majority of his study was through the in-depth observation of and conversation with true leaders. He used what he learned to operate as an outstanding leader in business and Christian work.

Fred’s great friend Harold Myra co-authored with Gary Chapman, and Paul White an outstanding book titled “Rising Above A Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment.” It gives the reader confidence and hope.

Destructive Leadership

Almost every leader publicly espouses the line: “People are our greatest resource.” In my years of interaction with industry and ministry leaders I have found it not uncommon to find some who don’t really allow others to develop. Even the unintentional placing of obstacles retards the growth and development of others in their organization.

In thinking about it here are ten methods which hinder up and coming leadership:

1) Magnify the risk: “I know you want this job, but remember, if you fail, you are out!”

2) Minimize the reward: Instead of talking about the sheer joy of accomplishment, they emphasize the drudgery. “How does your spouse feel about your not coming home for dinner? There will be a lot of night work and weekend hours if you accept this new position.”

3) Create a threat: “How do you think you handle criticism? As a boss you will have to get over that. Everybody in this place and this position gets criticism from others.”

4) Show a lack of confidence: “I doubt you are really the right person, but we don’t have anybody else. Somebody needs to fill this position.”

5) Expect results too soon: “In a couple of weeks you ought to be on top of this job.”

6) Deny support: “I’m not going to be able to give you much help. You are just going to have to dive in and swim.”

7) Create an atmosphere of criticism: “You can’t do anything right. We really thought you had the talent for this position.”

8) Overstate the effort required: “You probably will have to get used to working weekends – and forget about a vacation this year. You will go home with a headache, a back ache and dread tomorrow, but that is the price we pay for leadership around here!”

9) Suggest peer rejection: “You’re not really a people person, are you? This job requires high people contact and team building. Even though it doesn’t look like a fit I am willing to give you a shot at it.”

10) Emphasize the pressure: “The last person in this job just couldn’t take the heat.”

Leaders who sabotage the growth of others create toxic environments. They create insecurity and unsettle potential leaders. No one wants to work for those who take all the credit and shift all the blame. Healthy organizations reflect institutionalized development and growth. Ego management requires all leaders to check all misdirected motivations, creating environments of truth and trust.

This week think about: 1) Have I ever discouraged another because I was insecure? 2) What is my strongest development strategy for emerging leaders? 3) How can I stay cognizant of these negative attitudes in my business, church, or family?

Words of Wisdom: “It is not uncommon to find leaders who don’t really allow others to develop.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Then the local people began to discourage the people of Judah and to dishearten them from building.” (Ezra 4:4 NET Bible)

Asking Good Questions

Weekly Thought – March 12, 2019

Fred challenged everyone’s thinking. He mentally prepared for every conversation, meeting, and phone call. Unless they really knew Fred and his disciplined thought life they marveled at his reservoir of spontaneity. Questions like these stimulated his thinking and that of others. These brief answers were like a pop quiz, but a lifetime of thought allowed him to respond with depth.

Asking Good Questions:

1. Question: Is work my sickness or my cure? Fred Smith (FS): If our work is the fulfillment of our responsibilities then it can be a great force for health and maturity. Work that is addictive is detrimental. We know scripture says to do our work with all our might and it even admonishes those who are unwilling to work and provide for themselves and their families. Genuine accomplishment is a great benefactor; it gives meaning to life.

2. Q: Do I live an examined life? FS: One of our respected philosophers said that the unexamined life is an unworthy existence. Trying to live an unexamined life is like a doctor trying to cure an illness he has not diagnosed. Examination should have a practical limitation. Its purpose is to point out the elements most beneficial to our living a correct existence.

3. Q: What are the recurring themes in my life? FS: C.S. Lewis said that every person should have two or three major themes. Pursuing these gives us a reason for being. I believe major themes direct our accomplishments. Personally, I have found great satisfaction in studying human nature and how this knowledge interplays with our life decisions and actions. For example, I accept the Biblical theme of the fallen nature of man and its implications for the way our world works.

4. Q: Do I accent my rights over my responsibilities? FS: It is human for most of us to guard our rights more than fulfilling our responsibilities. It is part of our ego structure. We feel more arrogant when we accent our rights and more humble when we accept our responsibilities. Rights make us feel like we are the captain of our fate. When we demand our rights we separate ourselves from others. When we operate from a responsibility base we are pulled together. I like to say rights laminate, or press seal together. Part of our humility is the willingness to be accountable and not a “law unto ourselves.”

5. Q: Do I make good decisions? FS: No one I know has the ability to make all good decisions. That is one of the reasons I have specific individuals help me, using their areas of expertise. Here are a few principles for decision making: 1) I ask myself if I have a choice. If I have none, then I don’t have to bother myself about making a decision; 2) I ask if this is a major or minor decision; 3) Then I consider the short term benefit versus the long term liability. I have found short term benefits have a way of obscuring the long term liabilities.

This week think about: 1) How is Fred spurring me to develop questions? 2) What is my process for decision making? 3) How can I instill responsibilities rather than rights thinking into my family, work, friendships?

Words of Wisdom: “Trying to live an unexamined life is like a doctor trying to cure an illness he has not diagnosed.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For each one will carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5 NET Bible)

Probing Questions

Weekly Thought – March 5, 2019

Fred asked questions much more frequently than he gave opinions and advice. On the Breakfast With Fred website there are over 300 questions he asked. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but gives everyone an effective help in mentoring others and in personal development. Before his death, daughter Brenda asked him many of the questions and captured his top of mind answers.

Fred’s files are replete with speech memos, “middle of the night” thoughts, correspondence, and articles. In 2019 we are going to begin another phase of uncovering and organizing the material to continue providing his timely and timeless wisdom. Thank you for supporting our efforts through your prayerful and financial support.

Probing Questions

Q: Do I drag difficult experiences from the past into the future? Fred Smith (FS): Certainly the past can become a real drag on the future. The remembered past is often made up of mistakes and sins. The human mistakes we can do our best to correct. The sins must be confessed and then forgiven by God. Putting the past into proper perspective may be a difficult, but worthwhile discipline. To take the Apostle Paul’s advice, “forgetting the past, I press forward.”
Q: Do I basically motivate or manipulate people? FS: It all depends on one’s definition of each. I have the simple rule that motivation is recognizing mutual interest and manipulation is concerned with only my advantage in mind. Many times leaders who claim to be motivators are in reality manipulating for selfish purposes. Serving the other person or the business isn’t their primary concern. I know one writer who said he was writing a book on motivation titled, “How to get others to do what you want.” That is manipulation, not motivation.
Q: How do I separate spirituality from superstition? FS: I had a friend who formed a corporation and promised to give 15% of the profits to Christian causes. As I talked with him I felt this was an act of superstition, rather than spirituality. Without accusing him, I felt he was almost bribing God to bring success to the enterprise. The CEO of a nationally traded company told me the SEC should investigate a company he knew because they claimed Christ served on their board. My response was to seriously doubt this claim when the stock dropped precipitously. We cannot manipulate and maneuver God with gestures which are actually forms of bribery. He is interested in our obedience, not just our success. We must be careful to make judgments and assessments, though. One person’s act of spirituality can be another’s superstitious behavior.
Q: How do I view respect tradition and view change? FS: I certainly respect meaningful traditions which exemplify scriptural principles. Change should always be aimed at improvement and not simply the avoidance of boredom. There can never be progress without change. However, change just for its sake doesn’t assure progress.
Q: Do I pray to change God or change me? FS: I do not believe I have any power to change God. My talking with Him aligns my will to His. Loving cars I use an automotive way of thinking about this. When I am getting ready to talk with God I get myself into neutral gear without turning off the engine. This allows me to go in whichever direction He chooses. It is on His itinerary and schedule, not mine. Christ in the garden was the example: “Thy will be done, not mine.” I believe God can act differently in various circumstances without changing His character. Because God is immutable He can adjust the appropriate action to the circumstances.

This week think about: 1) How much time am I spending asking questions? 2) Which of these spurs my thinking? 3) What mental disciplines do I need to be pursuing?

Words of Wisdom: “There can never be progress without change. However, change just for its sake doesn’t assure progress.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions.” (1 Kings 10:1 NET Bible).

Taking Care of Business

Weekly Thought – February 26, 2019

Fred thought in visuals, and translated those visuals into words so others could capture the ideas. He often likened his process to the handle on a pot. The purpose of the handle was to enable someone to safely and easily manipulate the pan. He believed his ability to take complex thoughts and make them communicable was like putting a handle on them.

BWFLI is deepening the relationships with the colleges and universities with which we have partnered in the last 11 years. We will be doing this through personal input, written materials, and campus visits. Thank you for helping us in this crucial work. Please pray with us each month. Sign up for the prayer network and stand with us as we lift up our Christian institutions of higher learning.

Taking Care of Business

As I have said before, during the first weeks of each year I did in-depth evaluation of the prior year and planning for the new one. One area was focused on my business. I began this when I was a corporate executive looking at my management responsibilities. And then when I began Fred Smith Associates in 1955 I continued the practice, deepening the considerations year by year.

I started by reviewing the past year, bringing forward any items which remained on the accomplishment list. First, I looked at the organization’s personnel. I wish back then I would have had Jim Collins’s visual metaphor of the bus: putting the right ones in the right seats and the wrong ones off the bus. Without his picture, that is exactly what I did each year.

In organizations I was utilizing and maximizing strengths and buttressing weaknesses, trying to get extraordinary results from ordinary people. I always made sure I had a few extraordinary people in key leadership positions. My constant reminder was to make people decisions with my head, and not with my heart. Of course, there is a healthy interplay between the two. One thing I learned early on in owning my own business was to trust the counsel of a few talented, insightful individuals whose gifts were different from mine in making key personnel hires. I found Mary Alice had an innate, impeccable ability to read character. Therefore, any high level hires were always done with a candidate/spouse dinner with Mary Alice and me. She could read people!

Next, I wrote a vision statement to guide the organization. I reviewed, revised (when needed), and implemented the vision statement each year. In this process I evaluated our corporation’s position relative to our competition, considering new services or new products.

Of course, I looked at cash flow and profit potential. I took an overall look at capital requirements and budget items. The facilities and equipment requirements were reviewed with an eye to any needed additions. Technological changes are moving so rapidly it became a primary point of interest. I also reviewed legal, accounting, and benefit plans. I wanted to make sure we were meeting competitive standards.

Peter Drucker’s outstanding model of having efficiency at the bottom and effectiveness at the top was uppermost in the evaluation of my own performance. I had two major channels: public speaking (then writing) and business ownership. For years my personal measurement has been delegating everything from the “things that only I can do.” Some of these were looked at as annual items, other as long range corporate culture ones.

Then, I looked at the potential for flexibility in the organization because surprises come and I never want to be at their mercy.

This week think about: 1) I am two months into 2019, how am I doing with my plan? 2) What are the things that “only I can do?” 3) Who is a good model for organizational planning?

Words of Wisdom: “For years my personal measurement has been delegating everything from the ‘things that only I can do.’”

Wisdom from the Word: “The Lord’s decisions stand forever; his plans abide throughout the ages.” (Psalm 33:11 NET Bible)

Servant Leadership

Weekly Thought – February 19, 2019

Fred believed in evaluating current thinking in terms of Biblical principles. He always measured popular ideas, whether in the general culture or the church, specifically. He consistently measured ideas before espousing them.

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Servant Leadership

When I went into business (over 60 years ago), I began reading the Harvard Review published by the Harvard Business School. I remember an article written by Mr. Robert T. Greenleaf of A.T.&T titled “Skyhooks.” It became one of their most highly read articles. He was one of the first mainstream authors to tackle a spiritual theme in business. In 1970 he introduced an idea he called “servant leadership.” Max DePree, Steven Covey, and Ken Blanchard all quickly adopted the concept and have greatly popularized not only the phrase, but the application.

I certainly believe it is a Biblical principle if we clearly understand the difference between the spirit and the function. Some leaders take it to mean they are expected and even “called” to do even the most menial jobs in their organizations. I know one executive who has taken it to mean he should stay and literally turn out the lights in his building at night. One believed he should operate as a literal servant of the employees to be true to servant leadership.

To me, this is a misunderstanding. I am convinced servant leadership is about the attitude of serving. The old paradigm of building a pyramid with the lowest paid employees on the bottom and the CEO at the pinnacle doesn’t exemplify my understanding. I like to think of turning the pyramid upside down. The CEO still bears more responsibility and receives higher compensation, but has the attitude of carrying the organization, not riding it.

The CEO in this new configuration sacrifices ego to the organization rather than deriving satisfaction from the organization. Christ washed the disciples’ feet once to illustrate his humility but I do not think he would have taken this up as His daily duty.

This week think about: 1) How am I thinking about servant leadership? 2) Who exemplifies the appropriate attitude of servanthood? 3) What excites me about learning to lead better?

Words of Wisdom: “The CEO in this new configuration sacrifices ego to the organization rather than deriving satisfaction from the organization.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I take great delight. I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.” (Matthew 12:18 NET Bible)

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