Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 1)

Weekly Thought- November 18, 2014

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

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

Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 1)

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

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

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

What’s Your IQ?

Weekly Thought – November 11, 2014

Fred often spoke about the need for intellectual integrity in Christian leadership. He pointed out the perplexing problems which lie as potential traps. Too often we develop a head for God, but not a heart. Pride in knowing the “God of the Universe” impairs our humility. “Thinking we’re not accountable to the rest of humanity because God, by His grace, has chosen to bless us is the surest way to spoil all He’s done.” This week the focus will be on more of Fred’s thoughts about intellectual integrity.

As we pray about our plans for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute in the coming years, we ask for your prayer support, your encouragement, and your financial gifts. Thanks to so many who send emails, call, and even write with pen and paper! Please join us in praying for our future BWFLI locations and team members.

What’s Your IQ?

In a conversation with a former pastor, he asked a very telling question, “Smith, I respect your intelligence. How in the world can you still believe in the authority of Scripture?” I knew he would argue with a rational defense, so I simply said, “There was a time when I thought about taking your position because there was so much in the Bible I found distasteful. I realized it was this distaste, not disbelief, that prompted me. I didn’t want to believe the parts of Scripture that commanded me to act. I didn’t want to lose control of my life and make obedience more important than knowledge.”

I think a lot about the level of integrity in the Christian leadership community. Sadly, the integrity quotient is not commensurate with their intelligence quotient. (more…)

Knowing and Growing

Weekly Thought – November 4, 2014

Fred graduated from Hume-Fogg (often referred to as Human Frog) High School in Nashville, TN. College was not an option for he was already working to supplement family income. So, later in life when he frequently lectured in colleges and universities, it was a testimony to his life-long learner habits. Guilford College in Greensboro, NC was one of his favorite venues. This week’s message is taken from notes he prepared for a talk.

If you are helped by these weekly wisdom emails, would you help us by sharing them with others? We would like to expand our reach in this year building up to Fred’s 100th birthday anniversary. Thank you.

Knowing and Growing

Will and Ariel Durant, the historians, claim “Education is the transmission of civilization.” H.G. Wells said, “Civilization is a race between education and catastrophe.” I am convinced this comment shows the trend of man. If he were basically good, why would there be this race?

Through formal education each generation can build on the knowledge of the prior generations. I believe this is only true if we accept the principles produced by the knowledge. If we deny the principles, then we continually reinvent the wheel.

Thomas Huxley said, “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” This is tying discipline to knowledge. This understanding that immediate gratification is not always right and immediate pleasure is not the answer. Deferring gratification and pleasure are critical to achieving our long range goals. (more…)

Words of a Father

Weekly Thought – October 28, 2014

Fred’s parents were Rev. and Mrs. M.B. Smith. They had first names, but all knew them as Brother and Mrs. Smith. His father was a Southern Baptist pastor who was known throughout the mill district of Nashville for his compassion, and love of Biblical truth. Fred believed in legacy, not inheritance… in passing on character, not riches.

This week’s thought will probably be the most unusual ever, for it isn’t written by Fred but to him – in 1948 by his Dad. It must have been prompted by Fred’s ordination as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Nashville. He mentions Mary Alice, Fred’s wife of 67 years, who would have been 99 last week. This letter from father to son is a rare find in Fred’s archives and one that teaches us much about his lineage.

Words of a Father

“Dear Fred:

I desire that you know in this personal way that I deeply appreciate you as an ordained servant of God.

The joy of a parent’s heart is the honor their children confer upon them. You have manifested a high sense of honor all your life. It is beginning to bloom out into blessed fruitage.

I am by you like Paul was by the Philippian Church, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”

It gives me peculiar pleasure to welcome you into the ranks of the ordained of the Lord. I feel confident you will be faithful until death.

I deeply appreciate the letters and literature you send as related to the YOUTH FOR CHRIST MOVEMENT. It gives me insight to the work of the Master as it is related to our Young People. (more…)

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 4)

Weekly Thought – October 21, 2014

Fred valued his faith. He consistently assessed the difference between ritual and reality. As he aged he understood the meaning of relationship. He surrounded himself with men and women who encouraged him in practicing the walk. He learned from their lives. Those who persevered through difficult times were particularly helpful to him.

This email concludes the rewards of perseverance.

Thank you for your consistent support of BWF and the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute.

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 4)

As we looked at perseverance, we noted several rewards of staying the course: 1) maturing as a person and in our faith; 2) deepening of our character because tribulation is the pathway; 3) turning our single experiences into a series of principles which overlay other situations; 4) finding purpose and concentration to move ahead with intentionality; 5) knowing ourselves so that decisions can be made from the standpoint of true understanding. There are two more: 2) strengthening our relationship with God and 2) experiencing joy. (more…)

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 3)

Weekly Thought – October 14, 2014

Fred focused on understanding his giftedness and challenged others to do so. In mentoring a group of young high achievers he asked over 200 questions over the years of breakfast meetings. They are on the website www.breakfastwithfred.com. One of them is simply, “What is my uniqueness?” Four words which generate hours of contemplation and agitation. Fred made a close connection between giftedness and purpose; one’s being a manifestation of the other.

This week’s email is part three of a series describing the Rewards of Perseverance. The first three are: 1) Character 2) Maturity and 3) Experience. The next two are: 1) Finding purpose and concentration and 2) Self-knowledge.

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 3)

One of the advantages of adversity is the finding of purpose and concentration. Douglas MacArthur on V-J Day said, “It is my earnest hope that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge.” Trouble focuses the mind.

Some of us are trying to get away from difficulties. The sailboat needs breezes to move; the human being needs the winds of adversity for motivation. Our valleys test our ability to forget revenge and practice forgiveness. (more…)

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 2)

Weekly Thought – October 7, 2014

Fred believed in organized thought. He listened to those who came to see him and quickly assessed their mental clarity. He often asked people to write down their ideas, proposals, or issues. He repeated to them what his mentor Maxey Jarman said to him, “Fred, writing burns off the fuzziness in our thinking.” On the other hand, Fred resisted writing for publication. He felt it “concretized his thoughts and gave him no room for adjustment or growth.” We at BWF are thankful he bowed to the leadership of those who encouraged him to capture his mental musings on paper.

This week’s email is a continuation of the rewards reaped through perseverance.

Rewards of Perseverance (Part 2)

Perseverance isn’t abstract, nor just a reward in itself. There are tangible beneficial results. Two previously covered are character development and maturity. The next one is extrapolating principles,

1) Extrapolating principles from experiences is extremely helpful. We all have a storage system for information, and for experiences, as well. When we learn to store them as principles and not just random happenings we are creating a knowledge base. Principles never change, but techniques do. (more…)

Rewards of Perseverance

Weekly Thought – September 30, 2014

Fred’s ability to cut through fluff astounded some, and disturbed others. His preference for truth could be unsettling. But oh, how helpful it was. In speaking of tough times he observed, “One mistake Christians often make is assuming going through hard times equals automatic spiritual growth. After the furnace, some walk out as giants; others melt down to midget-size.” The next two emails are excerpted from his thinking on perseverance – and its rewards.

Thank you for praying as we seek to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.” We are asking for discernment, open doors, and eager invitations. The work continues to grow and our eagerness does, too.

Rewards of Perseverance

“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

My Mother lived this verse before five boys and a preacher husband. She modeled perseverance in and out of season. We reaped the rewards of a Mother who endured.

In writing and speaking about perseverance, I repeatedly say, “Perseverance is a process.” It is a process, not just for the exercise, but for the rewards. They are both satisfying and enduring. (more…)

Growing in the Spirit

Weekly Thought – September 23, 2014

Fred firmly believed in the process of sanctification. “He has a purpose for us – to be transformed into the image of His own dear Son, Jesus. He uses the ups and downs of life to conform us.” Throughout Fred’s life he witnessed the working of God – often through most difficult situations. He loved Andrae Crouch’s song, “Through It All.” His last words on this earth were “I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God.”

How has Fred stretched you? How have the Weekly Thoughts strengthened you? During this next 12 months we are encouraging you to share these ideas with us. September 1st was the anniversary of Fred’s 99th birthday. We are taking the next 12 months to celebrate all God has done through Fred and BWF.

Growing in the Spirit

Learning to appreciate God’s silence is part of our spiritual growth. The quiet comes in some of the hardest places – the places we want him to shout out to us. We wait and wait, as David the Psalmist said. Then He answers.

God’s delays are not God’s denials.

We are to be patient. True faith does not require sight or sound. In these quiet times, we know it is our faith that pleases Him. Oswald Chambers, my most revered theologian, says “God honors us with silence.” (more…)

Spiritual Growth

Weekly Thought – September 16, 2014

Fred watered. He loved talent and loved nurturing (but not hovering). Harold Myra, the retired CEO of Christianity Today International, enjoyed the benefit of mutual mentoring. He and Fred were truly “iron sharpening iron.”

Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment (Northfield Publishing) is a new collaboration among three experienced and wise men: Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra. It boldly presents the problems in business and ministry arenas. It creatively and clearly advances solutions, as well. It is helpful, as Fred would say!

Spiritual Growth

Several years ago, a friend of mine was in deep financial trouble. Bankruptcy was a distinct possibility. He asked his pastor to pray for him. Before the pastor began, he said, “I will pray if you will promise me you won’t be mad at God even if you declare bankruptcy.” My friend agreed, and has repeatedly said he believes this was the first step in his spiritual growth.

Not only should we avoid getting mad at God in adverse times, but we should avoid the “spoiled brat” syndrome, expecting God to break the rules and make exceptions just for us. “Why me? I’ve been a good Christian. I don’t drink, smoke, or chase women.” This high profile executive showed up at all the Christian events, but had a most immature view of himself and God. The definition is in who we are in Christ, not in what we don’t do. Too many Christians want God to put them in a holy bubble, protecting them from life’s problems. A more mature attitude is, “Why not me?”

The Marines expect and want the toughest jobs in the service. The old Catholic mystics viewed spiritual growth as the opportunity for tough assignments.

In troubling times, it is important to develop the right image of God. We tend to draw our own imagery based on what we need Him to look like. A clear understanding of God in the Bible keeps our head straight. While lecturing at a conservative seminary, a student approached me and said, “God has me just where He wants me to be.” “Where is that?” I asked. “Broke,” was his quick reply. Believing his image of God was faulty, and wanting to be helpful, I answered him. “We have a son. If I felt he was saying I had him right where I wanted him, and that was broke, then I’d be very disappointed.”

Don’t blame God for the consequences of your own irresponsibility.

God loves us. We persevere because we know His presence and rest in the relationship. Ray Stedman, the venerable teacher and pastor of Peninsula Bible Church, told me his life turned around when he found out that “God is for me.”

This week think carefully about: 1) How clear am I on my relationship with God? 2) When did I realize God is for me? 3) What tough assignments have I undertaken?

Words of Wisdom: “Don’t blame God for the consequences of your own irresponsibility.”

Wisdom from the Word: “You are my source of strength! I will sing praises to you! For God is my refuge, the God who loves me.” (Psalms 59:17 NET Bible)

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