The Three Aspects of Action

Weekly Thought – August 11, 2015

Fred enjoyed reading military history. The strategies of great generals intrigued him, as did their motivations. One of his favorite stories was the one of Robert E. Lee’s young officer who ended each letter with YTCO: Yours to Count On. During a long hospital stay, one of his granddaughters sent him a simple piece of paper with those letters. They hung on his wall until his discharge.

Planning for the 2016 and 2017 BWFLI schedules is moving ahead. Teams of men and women who are committed to “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God” are forming.

The Three Aspects of Action

We must consider three aspects as we think about action: 1) concept 2) system, and 3) philosophy. The concept defines the basic principles. The system is the implementation method for these principles. And, the philosophy is the reason for doing it.

Let’s say it another way: The concept is the what to do; the system is the how to do it; and the philosophy is the why of doing it.

Once the concept is clearly understood the system becomes a matter of technological development and procedure. However, until the concept is crystallized, it is counter-productive to move ahead. One of the great aspects of leadership is setting the vision and then drawing everyone together under the banner.

A major downfall is attempting to repeat systems without thoroughly analyzing the situation. I always like to say, “keep current.” This means knowing all the details which will influence the impact of an action. Concepts can be transferable more easily than systems and implementation. There are very few situations which totally parallel each other and respond to the exact same systems. The great leaders know how to identify the differences and adjust accordingly.

An example of this is my experience with the great National Steel Strikes in the 1950s. I was called in to develop strategies for management. They pulled out ideas that had worked in the past and since their goal of coming to a positive outcome was the same, they assumed they could use the same system or technique. Again, updating your facts before taking action is critically important.

Action also requires art and science. Some aspects can be formularized, but others must be developed through experience. Asking the right questions, listening carefully, and watching body language enable one to read situations. In Texas they laugh about people who go “ready, fire, aim.” Jumping the gun in taking action can be deadly – and often very costly.

Knowing what to do, how to do it, and why to do it allows a leader (and the organization) to clearly develop a workable process which leads to success. Repeating past successes without current updating, or heading off without a proper vision can only lead to disappointment.

This week carefully consider: 1) Which aspect of action is my soft spot? 2) Where have I matured the most? 3) How can I use Fred’s thoughts to develop others?

Words of Wisdom: “The concept is the what to do; the system is the how to do it; and the philosophy is the why of doing it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the law of the Lord.” (Psalm 119:1 NET Bible)

Things Are Important

Weekly Thought – August 4, 2015

Fred took Oswald Chambers’ admonition to “sit loose to things” quite literally. He never allowed possessions to hold him hostage. There were few things that needed replacing if enough duct tape were properly applied.

Thank you for your consistent encouragement and support. Your words of gratitude help us in our work. Your illustrations of how Fred’s thoughts strengthened you gratify us and undergird the BWF Project.

Things Are Important

Practical excellence starts with our relationship to things. Most of our time, energy, and thought are involved with the material. So, we must ask ourselves: “Are our possessions hurting or helping us?”

Accumulation has a philosophy. Social historians look closely at a culture in relation to its artifacts. Understanding their material remnants tells a vivid story about the people and the way they lived. When there was written history, it is often eclipsed by the study of what the people accumulated. It is like the difference between saying and doing.

I often laughingly consider what archaeologists will piece together about us when they find piles of non-biodegradable butter tubs!

Ads tell us we can have it all! Sadly, too many buy into the idea that lacking the latest and greatest gadget labels one as a failure. I once read a sign saying, “If you can’t count it, it don’t count.” Foolishness. I tend to believe the more things I own, the more they own me. Ask my family about my different hobby phases and they will quickly tell stories of boating gone awry or temporary woodworking projects which turned into oddly permanent fixes.

Buying the good life is another mistaken idea about things. I have been poor and I have been not poor, and certainly not poor gives me more options. But it didn’t create a substantial life – character choices does that. I have seen way too many who thought the good life consisted of stuff, but they ended up mediocre, spoiled, rich brats. Growing up I saw men and women in the mill district of North Nashville who had very few things, but knew what good in life meant.

A word about money in the Christian world. It can gain someone recognition quickly. Big givers climb the pyramid of fame with jet speed. Ironically, some of those with reputations for giving hold tightly to their assets but promise them for future gifts. A very wise man once said, “There is no better job than being a big potential donor.”

Christians must hold the proper view of things. Scripture tells us much that is valued in this world will be burned up as “wood, hay, and stubble.” We cannot neglect the importance of things, but we must never put our trust in them. And of course, we must always “sit loose to things” as Oswald Chambers says, for they are never ours to keep, but just to manage.

This week think about: 1) How tied am I to my things? 2) What things in my life define me? 3) When archaeologists dig up my “things,” what story will they tell?

Words of Wisdom: “Growing up I saw men and women in the mill district of North Nashville who had very few things, but knew what good in life meant.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36 NET Bible)

The Stress of Singleness

Weekly Thought – July 28, 2015

Fred spoke to singles’ retreats and sometimes received unusual requests. After one presentation a woman came up and waited patiently while others spoke to him. Finally, her turn came and she simply said, “I need you to find me a husband.” “Pardon, me, ma’am, but we have never met so why do you think I am to do this?” “I was told older men have the responsibility to find proper men for single women… and you are old.” He graciously declined. His practical wisdom helped many singles throughout the country. This 2002 article gives an insight into his thinking.

The Stress of Singleness

Mary Alice and I will be married 66 years June 25, 2003. We haven’t been single for a long time, but I have been asked a lot throughout my life to speak to singles groups. Here are a few of the common stressors.

1) Time pressures – too many confuse the fast track and the frantic track. But what a significant difference there is! I believe in the energy and excitement of the former, but distrust and deny the latter. Unfortunately, some singles equate inactivity with loss of inclusion. They say “yes” to every invitation seeking belongingness. And, singles just pushed by time when others assume they are available “because they don’t have families at home.”

2) Peer pressures – the stress of adolescent peer pressure should lessen as we age, but I see too many who still fall into the trap of giving too much control away. When they let others set their direction, goals, and definition of accomplishment, they open the door to unhealthy stresses. There are no age limits (or even marital status) which keep us from looking to others for approval, but I see many singles who put too much emphasis on the acceptance of friends and colleagues. Because of this stress, it is critical to carefully analyze and appraise those who are influencers.

3)Money – I notice when I talk with singles groups I find a particular weakness for advertising claims…and it eats them up. Madison Avenue invests big bucks to reach this particular demographic. Sporting activities are a prime example. Have you ever considered how much it costs to “look like a golfer? Tennis player? Bike rider?” No one just takes up a hobby without all the proper accoutrements. Living the lifestyle often squeezes singles into a tough spot which creates debt and stress. A plan and financial strategy are necessary elements in anyone’s life, but particularly for those who are targeted for impulse and emotional buying.

4) Relationships – Developing healthy relationships can be difficult. Many times when I speak to groups I find informal discussions coming around to the loneliness of singleness. Finding people to trust isn’t easy. Growing in a spiritual relationship doesn’t come more readily just because there is no spouse and children to consider. Being single doesn’t automatically create spiritual depth. The stress of being Mother Teresa or Apostle Paul can lay heavy on single shoulders.

God calls each of us to our own walk. Whether married or single, our focus is to be on Him and in Him. He is the answer to the stresses. He gives the peace. He moves us toward maturity.

This week think carefully about: 1) How can I serve those who are single? 2) What does singleness mean in the Christian community? 3) Who is struggling with loneliness as well as aloneness?

Words of Wisdom: “Money is a tool, not an idol. It gives option. It is a stewardship.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.” (Proverbs 12:25 NET Bible)

Dialysis University

Weekly Thought – July 21, 2015

Fred began dialysis July 1999. As part of his processing he wrote a piece which he called Dialysis University knowing much learning was ahead. In an unusually long weekly thought, the entire article is reproduced for you. In the intervening years many ask for these thoughts applying them to any permanent life changing event. May it bless you this week and beyond.

Dialysis University

My life has permanently changed. I accept the change; now I must try to understand it. In order to get the most from the change I must consider myself, at 84, to have enrolled in a new school which I call DU (Dialysis University) with classes three days a week for four hours each.

There are certain unique features to DU. The teachers share the responsibility with me. They keep me alive with their medical skill and I decide what courses of learning to follow from a great variety of possibilities, the first being a comprehensive understanding of the full dialysis process. They provide the quality time and I decide what I will do with the time. It is a joint responsibility.

Another unique feature of DU is the lack of a graduation; therefore, a diploma doesn’t determine the course selection. Exit from the school is entrance into eternity.

In order to maximize the experience I have decided to adopt a philosophy of dialysis that will guide me as I progress. I have put it into writing so that I might read and review until it becomes a mental/spiritual habit and eventually a living reflex.

Constructive Adjustments To Dialysis:

1. Gratitude for the discipline: Don’t rebel against the restrictions. I am being helped rather than restricted. This discipline assures life.

2. Respect the diet: It is not what I can’t have; it’s that I don’t want what I should not have. Abstinence is positive, not negative.

3. The expenses: I’m making an investment in a quality of life, not being forced to spend money on assistance that I once didn’t require.

4. Recognize the variable value of time: Spend the most valuable hours on the most valuable activities. Have interesting, productive things to do during the hours of energy. Don’t fret about the survival mode in down times. I am only responsible for what I can do, not for what I would like to do or think that I should do. Only my capability is my responsibility.

5. Guard against negative thoughts and remarks: Guard against them either within myself or with others. I am not competing in a health race with others. Accept that sickness can be destructive to a proper attitude. Disciplined silence can be constructive.

6. Not part of divine punishment: I consider my sickness as normal, therefore in no part divine punishment. Nothing is happening to me “that is not common to man.”

7. Be careful not to lose the good of this difficult situation: Look for each bit of good and express appreciation for it. I believe that God is in my circumstances mysteriously, even though I can’t understand or definitely define each element. Faith, therefore, is a major factor in my adjustment.

8. The situation is for life: Therefore I must take the long view and not be occupied or anxious about every up and down blip on the screen. Up times will be limited just the same as the down times. It is good to remember, “This, too, shall pass.”

9. Dialysis will not define my life: Dialysis may alter my way of life but will not define it. I am not living to have dialysis; I am having dialysis in order to live. Therefore it will not dominate my thoughts nor conversation. It is a means to provide quality life.

10. Control: I will not use my dialysis to control my family or friends.

11. Experience the joy of life: In early dialysis I’ve had some experiences of the joy of life that helped me to understand Paul’s acceptance of his “thorn” or Solzhenitsyn’s gratitude for “the stinking straw.” Suffering’s chief function is to purify – purify our thinking and promote the growth of our faith.

Hail to Old DU!

My choice: Be a victim or a victor.

This week think about: 1) Which point hits home right now? 2) Who needs to read this? 3) How can I best apply Fred’s thinking to my life?

Words of Wisdom: “My life has permanently changed.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NET Bible)

Diagnosis and Prescription

Weekly Thought – July 14, 2015

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

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

Diagnosis and Prescription

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action’s Aspects

Weekly Thought – July 7, 2015

Fred distilled and defined. His ability to simplify without losing the essence set him apart from other management consultants. Clarifying without falling into formulaic cliches worked well for him.

Action’s Aspects

There are three aspects to action: 1) concept, 2) system, and 3) philosophy.

The concept defines the basic principles. The system is the implementation of the principles, and the philosophy is the reason for doing. Said another way: The concept is the what to do – the system is now to do it – and the philosophy is the why of doing it.

Once the concept is clearly understood, the implementation or system becomes a technological procedure. This varies according to each specific situation.

For example, in military history we see General MacArthur planning the Inchon invasion. He studied the taking of Quebec by General Wolfe. The concept was surprise. The General asked his staff if this strategy would work, they all answered negatively. With their response, he went ahead and used this concept because he knew it would work. Surprise was going to be successful.

The technical approach was different from the one used by Wolfe. This was part of the genius. Often, leaders try to borrow the technique along with the concept and failure ensues. It is a mistake to understand few if any perfect strategic analogies exist in life. Each situation must have its own variation.

I faced this in the National Steel strike when I was called in to help management make plans. They had a past success and wanted to repeat it step by step. They failed to update the situation by grasping the difference in the two situations.

This leads me to one of my favorite principles: Stay current. One of the leadership pitfalls is relying on former successes to design a new plan. Many elements can be altered which affect the outcome. To ignore the full scope of the situation opens doors for failure. Staying current means being up to date on everything that will impact the strategy.

Philosophies and concepts are much more constant than the techniques of accomplishment. The three must all be part of the whole, but it is important to consider each separately before finalizing the plan. When we break it down, master each part, and learn to interweave them seamlessly we are well on the way to a workable strategy.

This week think about: 1) Which of the three is the easiest for me? Most difficult? 2) How intentional am I about my planning? 3) What keeps me current on my decision making?

Words of Wisdom: “Staying current means being up to date on everything that will impact the strategy.”

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

Counting Character

Weekly Thought – June 30, 2015

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

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

Counting Character

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soul Food

Weekly Thought – June 23, 2015

Fred was acquainted with many Christian leaders, from the outside and inside. He never exposed their weaknesses so was trusted as a friend and confidante. But he recognized their “iron and clay.” He always said he was magnetized by their iron, but neutralized by their clay. He focused on the iron rather than trying to correct the clay. He once commented to a person who disagreed with the friendship between himself and a leader: “I am drawn by their iron and you are put off by the clay… therefore, you cannot see the strength.”

Soul Food

I’m fond of reading the Catholic mystics and saints of old. (The original saints were, of course, Southern Baptists!) In their writings and meditations I see nothing of planning for the purpose of personal significance. They were not motivated by human ambition. The glory of God was their joy.

They were concerned not with God’s plan for their life but His presence in their life. They knew having a guide was always better than having a map. Both Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach have written inspiringly on the constant presence of God.
Occasionally, I speak to a Christian leader who seems hard and metallic. The more ambitious they are, the more metallic their manner. Some with whom I have shared intimate moments seem dry on the inside. It reminds me of the verse “He sent them their desire but with it, leanness of soul.” The soul can’t be fed with ambition, accomplishment, and acquisition. Peggy Lee recorded a song years ago titled, “Is that all there is?” Some of the leaders I have known reach the pinnacle of success – yes, even Christian success as they define it – and find an emptiness. They proved themselves but too often did it in human power. They did not experience the joy of seeing God do what only He could. Their nourishment was man-made.

The soul fed by the Spirit and the words proceeding from God grows for this is the food that truly satisfies.

Values or Virtues

Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues, they are not Christian.

Our need is not to return to family values, nor historical values, but to scriptural virtues.

We talk about values because subconsciously we like to be in control and we set our values. Cultural values are fluid.

Virtues hold their authority because they are not under human control, but come from God’s revealed truth. This distinction brings up the key question: “What is your authority?”

Our society could return to the values of our forefathers but we would still have human values. When we return to the virtues of scripture, we are returning to God.

This week think about: 1) What is feeding my soul right now? 2) How do I establish the ultimate authority for my life? 3) When do I sense a dryness in my soul?

Words of Wisdom: “Our society could return to the values of our forefathers but we would still have human values. When we return to the virtues of scripture, we are returning to God.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Look, the one whose desires are not upright will faint from exhaustion, but the person of integrity will live because of his faithfulness.” (Habakkuk 2:4 NET Bible)

Sincerity of Communication

Weekly Thought – June 16, 2015

Fred’s reputation as a communicator remains strong. Regularly we hear from those who say, “I heard Fred speak and what he said really stayed with me. He took a complex idea and made it comprehensible.” Fred likened his speaking style to passing a pot. “An idea needs a handle just like a pot does to successfully move it from one to another.” He used one-liners and illustrations to create this transfer tool. The website breakfastwithfred.com has hundreds of these one-liners in its leadership library.

Sincerity of Communication

When we really want to communicate we must accept our responsibility of using language the other understands.

Non-believers, for example, and particularly those with no Christian background hear much of our revered standard phrases as “pious babble.” Even our tone of voice can turn them off. Without thinking we affect the “seminary brogue” so widely that even when surfing the TV we can tell a sermon with just a word or two. In my day the Billy Graham style dominated most American pulpits. Of course, that has changed, but there is still a rhythm and tempo which identifies many preachers. Opening up clear communication requires we take an inventory of our vocabulary.

Using terms like “blessed hope” or “saved” mean so very much to those in the community of faith, especially the evangelical branch. Outside those circles they tend toward “deer in the head lights” expressions on faces. Using lingo is actually a form of laziness. Committing ourselves to effective communication requires discipline, integrity, and hard work.

We must have enough passion to communicate to motivate us to learn the language of the audience and use it meaningfully. Too often we get frustrated when another’s inability to understand us, rather than accepting the responsibility of being understandable. Have you ever seen an American in another culture try to get someone to understand English? Invariably they speak louder and louder, repeating over and over as if repetition and volume will create understanding.

Sincerity of communication must be a hallmark in any communication, but especially with those of Christian faith. And we must be careful not to use our assumed personal connection with God as a persuasion tool. When someone claims God as their personal source of knowledge and action, I am somewhat skeptical. When someone cannot give me sound thinking other than an emotional, “God told me,” I wait for more substance. Too often, the statements that follow prove hollow and even wrong.

One of my cardinal principles for communication is: Speak to express, not impress.

This week think about: 1) How can I achieve better communication at home, work, church? 2) Where am I lazy and fall back on lingo rather than enlarging my vocabulary? 3) What motivates me to express, not impress?

Words of Wisdom: “We speak to express, not impress.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind speech increases persuasiveness.” (Proverbs 16:21 NET Bible)

Service on HIS Schedule

Weekly Thought – June 9, 2015

Fred evaluated constantly. Maturity was his consistent goal. He believed growth came through “association, travel, and reading.” Whenever he was with someone, he tried to learn from them.

His good friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones was well-known for his assessment: “Except for the people you meet, the places you go, and the books you read, you will be the same person in five years that you are today.” He and Fred certainly tracked well on that idea, didn’t they?

Service on HIS Schedule

Years ago, Dick Halverson, former Chaplain of the Senate, and I conducted a retreat for lay people. He gave me great freedom when he said, “Do you realize Christ did not have a daily planner? He simply when about doing good. When the woman with the lingering sickness stopped Him as He was on the way to raise Lazarus, He stopped and took care of her needs. He didn’t say, ‘Wait a minute, I am on my way to raise the dead and that is more important than your ongoing issue of blood.’ He stopped to touch her.”

Jesus used each opportunity to do good. When we believe God engineers our circumstances, He sets our priorities.

That phrase “Jesus went about doing good” has been a game changer for me. Our Christian service isn’t about setting lofty goals and striving for “maximum Kingdom impact.” Years ago there was a management theory called “Management While Walking Around.” I found the style helpful when I was assessing operations. You can pick up more in the midst rather than ensconced in the corner office. Our spiritual life is the same. We can see God’s hand in our day to day as we “go about.”

As I get older, my perspective on God’s involvement in my circumstances becomes clearer and clearer. I see His engineering in my daily life. When I was young, I was a great planner. I still believe in planning organizational activities. However, I’ve learned to leave great flexibility in my spirituality service. I see instances that seemed insignificant at the time were actually not so unimportant. Conversations that appeared to be casual might have great impact.

I had breakfast with a young professional man and gave him one thought which he wrote down. He later told me “That re-vectored my life.” I certainly wasn’t talking with him with the intent of making that long term impact. But, I was sitting down with him to listen and to respond appropriately.

God wants dedicates, not volunteers. The dedicated person gives us control, saying “I’m available to you. You do what you want with me.” The volunteer signs up for special service. The volunteer makes himself available on his own terms.

Joy in the Christian life comes when we open our hands and start seeing our daily walk as the means of active Christian service. Measuring impact is not our job – faithfulness is.

This week think about: 1) When has God used me in the ordinary? 2) How much do I believe in God’s sovereignty? 3) What will it take for me to give up control of my “spiritual impact?”

Words of Wisdom: “When we believe God engineers our circumstances, He sets our priorities.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I will walk among you, and I will be your God and you will be my people.” (Leviticus 26:12 NET Bible)

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