Weekly Thought – October 24, 2023

Fred often listened to men who came to his office talking about “needing more freedom.” They were surprised when he didn’t give them the old “follow your heart” talk, but rather emphasized the price of freedom and its price tag.

Seeking Freedom

Some leaders in business and in ministry I know feel trapped… “I’m called by God to do this, but I don’t like certain aspects of the job and I don’t feel free to change them.” This regularly depresses them. Pastors sometimes feel like slaves to the church, and know that slaves have very few options. They have emotional options, of course – they can be dedicated, enthusiastic, willing to use their best talents, or they can drag their feet, insolent, and difficult to get along with. They do have internal control. My friends who are business leaders experience the same entrapment, but have the same attitudinal options.

When feeling trapped they key is to recognize you’re serving the wrong master. We are all to be slaves of Christ, not slaves of the church or the corporation. This freedom to serve Christ alone, however, requires discipline. It comes with a price. All freedom does. One of my wife’s friends once told her, “Your husband has more freedom to express his opinion than anybody else I’ve ever met.” Mary Alice replied, “He pays a price for it.” It is true. Mavericks must accept the price of being an outsider. So we who want to be free to serve Christ alone must accept the cost. It is dishonest to want the benefits without paying the price.

A lot of people try to lease freedom instead of buying it. Leasing (trying in small ways to be something you’re not in order to please people) is cheaper. It provides some breathing room. But by leasing you never gain ultimate freedom. Freedom must be purchased – and the price is not set by you. You decide you want it and then you pay whatever it costs. If you try to acquire it at a price you determine, be aware you are leasing, not owning.

The price of freedom to serve Christ alone is often your willingness to be disliked. It may cost you your job. It may cost you some relationships. You may be ostracized by your peers. But there is a value that is priceless.

The desire for total freedom has to be tempered. Freedom is not irresponsibility. Freedom is an environment in which you discharge your responsibility. I believe one reason for America’s productivity is that for the first time in history responsible people have lived and worked in an environment of freedom. The Puritan conscience carried the message: “You have a talent which you have to steward; one day you’ll stand before God and be judged for the way you developed it.” When you put that mindset into an environment of freedom you have the potential for tremendous productivity.

The more total we can make our commitment to Christ, the freer we can be. The ore we discipline our desires, the stronger will be our opportunities for a life well-lived. When we understand true freedom does not represent lack of constraint but the ability to restrict ourselves in order to accomplish our soul’s deepest yearnings.

This week think carefully about: 1) When do I think “I wish I had more freedom”? 2) How have I determined to calculate the cost of true freedom? 3) Who models freedom in Christ for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Freedom is not irresponsibility. Freedom is an environment in which you discharge your responsibility.”

Wisdom from the Word: Call to Faithful Stewardship: “Get dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 13:35 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 17, 2023

Fred thought much about the words of William Barclay’s prayer. “Lord grant us: in our work, satisfaction; in our study, wisdom; in our pleasure, gladness; and in our love loyalty.” He taught a series of lessons on each of the five phrases to the Elliott class of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. One of the most important elements to Fred were the words: “In our study, wisdom.”

The Process of Wisdom

William Barclay, who spent his life studying, realized that wisdom came by process. The scripture talks about getting knowledge and then understanding and then wisdom. In America we are long on knowledge, but short on wisdom. We educate the head so much better than we educate the heart. So often you hear someone say, “How can anyone that smart be that dumb?” Their head is smart, but their heart is ignorant. The major problems we face today are not because we are uneducated, but because we are unwise. We have knowledge but lack wisdom. Think about political confrontations. These are educated men and women. They have knowledge, but I see a distinct lack of wisdom. Wall Street scandals are not from lack of knowledge but lack of ethics which is part of wisdom. The Old Testament talks about the heart because wisdom is of the heart, not the head.

One of the most interesting columns I’ve read in a long time is “the heartless lovers of humankind.” It points out how dangerous intellectuals are who have theories about the welfare of mankind without regard for individual life. The author points out Marx, Lenin, Mao, and Stalin as men who had an intellectual theory about social construction without the reality of close personal relationships. One of my friends has a cartoon on his desk which shows Linus (the Peanuts character) saying, “I love mankind; it’s people I hate.” These theorists and idealogues were guilty of what they called “useful murders.” Mao supposedly killed 300 million people because he was working out his social theory. Hitler tried it; so did Stalin. All of these people with theories about mankind based on their intellectual concepts demonstrated a total lack of heart. The love of power, the desire to make their theories work, and the lack of any respect for human life ended tragically. They denied any possibility of man’s being created in the image of God. For they denied even the existence of God and His wisdom that “is from above” as the letter of James puts it.

Let me quote from T.S. Eliot: “Where is the life we have lost in living? Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? The cycles of heaven in twenty centuries bring us further from God and nearer to the dust.”

God made us from dust to move toward God, but now Eliot points out that we are moving quickly back to the dust from which we were formed. Intellectual prowess alone fails. Knowledge is not enough – we need wisdom.

As Barkley prays, “In our study, wisdom.”

This week seriously consider: 1) How well am I moving from knowledge to wisdom? 2) Who is a model of wisdom for me? 3) What makes me hunger for “wisdom that is from above?”

Words of Wisdom: “The major problems we face today are not because we are uneducated, but because we are unwise.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 10, 2023

Fred considered contemplation a productive aspect of Christian living. He not only enjoyed quiet, but created a personal environment which required it. When he and Mary Alice traveled to Colorado one of his favorite activities was standing alone staring at the stars in the sky free from city lights.

The Joy of Contemplation

Americans are not much for quiet. The TV blares even when no one is in the room; teenagers walk around loaded down with boom boxes on their shoulders; car rides cannot be respites from unwanted sounds because vehicles sitting adjacent at stop lights actually vibrate with the deafening decibels.

Occasionally I see an exception. One is my friend Bob Turner who took his wife out to his Palm Beach Club for an enjoyable evening. At one point he spoke to the bandleader then returned to the table with a big smile. Thinking he had requested “their song” for the next dance she was surprised to see the band leave the stage. Bob had paid the band to quit for the evening, leaving the ballroom in total quiet.

Americans don’t appreciate contemplation. Short attention spans are supported by all forms of communication. (Editor’s note: Imagine Fred’s thoughts on current messages consisting of icons, emojis, and acronyms!) Television sitcoms convince us that we can solve international strife, political conflict, relationship dysfunction, and career problems within 30 minutes.
While speaking with a small group including many international attendees I was impressed with a man’s bright, attentive face. Afterwards he introduced himself to me as a Hindu from Nepal. He asked to have lunch because he had never heard an American Christian talk about contemplation. To him, it was a normal, critical part of his life from childhood.

It made me think about the noise in American homes. There is no time dedicated to silence and contemplation. Lapses in conversation are not respected, but filled with talking, music, even arguing. We are uneasy with any type of silence.
Contemplation is an acquired skill. In Scripture we are advised to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” As we consider Him in quiet He comes alive.

“Be still and know that I am God” isn’t just for personal worship – this should apply to corporate worship, as well. Sadly, studies show that contemporary churches attribute their growth to being loud. They call it celebration, but I am tempted to call much of it noise. Where is the consideration of the awe of God as a group of believers? Where are the moments to sit in contemplation of who He is?

In contemplation we establish our relativity with God – not relationship, but relativity. He is eternal; we are temporal. He is infinite; we are finite. He is Creator; we are created. The point of contemplation is that when I am small in Him I am utterly secure; but when I am big in myself I am insecure. Contemplating the infinite stretches me beyond measure. Meditating on an immeasurable Go stretches me beyond all human thought – this is the joy of contemplation.

This week think carefully about: 1) How often do I stop and contemplate the greatness of God? 2) What do contemplation and meditation mean to me? 3) When is the most productive time for me to think about God?

Words of Wisdom: “As we consider Him in quiet He comes alive.”

Wisdom from the Word: “May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NET)

Weekly Thought – October 3, 2023

Fred wrote, spoke, and thought about character probably as much as any other subject. He once observed “I have rarely seen a person fail due to lack of training, but generally it is a lack of character. However, I have never had anyone come to me asking for help in building character, but many who asked for opportunities, training, coaching, and many other aids.”

Character and Perseverance

Character is built through perseverance. In Romans 5 we are taught of the grace progression from tribulation through perseverance to character and hope. Character is so much more important than personality. It I actually more important for intelligence and it defines how we use both of these assets. It is the seat of our values. It is the custodian of our will.

During a losing season with the Mavericks, Norm Sonju who was then the general manager said this was the “era of the north side of the tree.” He was referring to boat manufacturers who advertised they built their boats from lumber harvested from the north side of the trees for it has weathered the battering of storms. My mentor, Maxey Jarman used to refer to business downturns as “times that take the fat off of our souls.”

In exercise I am told the heart has to get above 150 beats per minute to be effective. I am convinced true character development requires a high degree of pressure. The heat purifies our character as it does metal. My friend Ed Drake reminded me : “Pounding play havoc with clay, but tempers steel.”

Character gives us the strength to stand under the most difficult challenges. Solzhenitsyn upon hearing that the Archbishop of Canterbury had said about communism: “Better red then dead,” replied: “Better dead than a scoundrel.”

Character tells where we will stand on issues, for how long, and for what price. Oswald Chambers warns if we can’t take the small test we will inevitably fail the larger ones. Many fool themselves into thinking that they may falter on the small, but will triumph in the big test – it just won’t happen.

Character is determined by who we are becoming through our choices, our experiences, and our accomplishments.

The good news is that character can grow, and does more so in trouble than in good times. It is common knowledge that a person or a society cannot endure continuous prosperity. Softness results.

As we experience our valleys we learn the place of prayer, the power of scripture, and the presence of the Spirit. Isaiah reported God’s words, “I will give you the treasure of darkness.” God is an artist who paints both in light and dark colors. Malcolm Muggeridge noted “if affliction were eliminated, it would not make life delectable, but banal and trivial.”

This week carefully consider: 1) What am I learning in both the light and dark seasons? 2) How can I assess the areas of character which need strengthening? 3) Why do I think Fred focused so much on the importance of character?

Words of Wisdom: “The good news is that character can grow, and does more so in trouble than in good times.”

Wisdom from the Word; “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – September 26, 2023

Fred regularly advised “stay current.” He and a dozen leading Dallas Christian laymen met once a month for a prayer breakfast. They spurred each other on during strong, meaningful careers. As they aged they encouraged each other to finish well. They are now all meeting in heaven. Dad would regularly remind them to avoid joining the “usta club.” (I usta do this; I usta do that!)

The Perils of Aging

When I was in my forties, I started making a list of things I would not do once I was old. I knew I’d need the list because without it, the items would seem natural and would become natural. There were little things on it like not sleeping with my mouth open, or not wearing mis-matched clothes. But a few of them are worth exploring.

1. Reminiscing: A television talk show host told me if she interviewed someone who dwelt on the past she never asked that person back. I say good for her. I get sick and tired of listening to people talking solely about the past – about the glory days. They apparently have no present and no future… everything is in the past. That is a sure sign of aging poorly. The way I like to think about this: once you get out of bed you can’t find the warm spot again.

2. Comparisons: As we get older, we tend to make unrealistic comparisons. We talk about the good old time and the quality merchandise we had when we were young. I remember the quality crank that spun a Model T Ford engine and the quality piece of wire that pulled out the choke. I also remember the tremendous amount of aerobic exercise it took to get the thing started and the danger of breaking your arm if it kicked. Was it really so much better than sliding into leather seats in your British sports car, driving off in regal splendor?

3. Idealizing: Remembering the past through “rose colored glasses” even applies to the church. I once had fun at a preachers’ convention as the keynote speaker. I got up and started expounding the need to return to the old-fashioned forms of the faith: we needed to go back to the reverence for the Book. The longer I carried, the more animated I became, the louder and more frequent came the “amens” Then I stopped abruptly and said, “What I mean is… let’s rally go back to the old-fashioned circuit riders, when people only had to go to church every three months.” Graciously, they didn’t stone me, but these preachers gave me stony silence!

4. Faulty Forecasting: Every economist when forecasting should be required to give his age in the first line of the report. Our age seriously impacts our view of the future. As I view my older (much older than I) I see they either move toward optimism or pessimism – Pollyanna or Cynic. The optimists assume an “every day in every way things are getting better and better.” I hear them expressing ultimate belief in the coming generations, attributing moral and mental qualities which have yet to be proven by others of us. America is a winner – no matter what troubles they have “they are right and will win.” The cynic walks around interpreting all through the filter of a black cloud. Nothing good from these young ones can possibly happen.
My choice is to be a realist, but it isn’t easy. The line between idealism and cynicism is often extremely fine and hard to distinguish. But it is the healthiest position. Stay current – see things as they are, not as you thought they were, or as you wish they were.

Where should a Christian be? They must remain as idealists. We live in a fallen world with the evidences and consequences of sin, but we live with hope of comfort here and peace eternally. It is our assignment to be realists who make the most of our time – living redemptively.

This week think about: 1) How can I prevent falling into unhealthy patterns as I age? 2)What I my game plan for aging well? 3) How models aging wisely for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Stay current… don’t join the ‘usta club.’”

Wisdom from the Word: “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (Psalm 92:14 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 29, 2023

Fred refused to categorize people according to balance sheet, job title, or accumulated status symbols. But he did recognize winners and losers. During extreme downturns in the economy he invested time with friends who suffered great losses. His thoughts and questions offered direction to many business leaders during these times.

Winners and Losers

I love golf – and wisdom. When they come together I take notes.

I was watching a major golf tournament. One of the young competitors was winning impressively. A commentator turned to Ken Ventura and said (in hushed tones), “Ken, he is going to be a real winner, isn’t he?” The experienced golfer replied, “No one can look into his heart and mind. We don’t know what is in there yet.” Watching that young golfer progress proved he had a strong heart for winning.

Too often I hear people build categories of moral and immoral, ethical and unethical as reasons for succeeding and not failing. I think it is easier than that – for most purposes there are simply winners and losers.

When you lose you have certain questions and certain choices to make. Some of the questions are:

1) Did I do my best?
2) Am I responsible for the loss or was it circumstances beyond my control?
3) If I had it to do over what would I do differently?
4) How can I use this loss for future decisions and projects?

Some of the choices are:

1) Become bitter, hostile, or transfer the responsibility
2) Accept that you were defeated and let it become a fact of life for the future
3) Let the loss help establish a realistic view of ourselves in relation to others

It is arrogant to think that we are always the best at all times. And we can’t always choose when we are put into a competitive situation. The best thing we can do is externalize and analyze the loss, but never internalize it. Just because I was defeated does not mean that I totally have failed. One of my favorite statements is: “you haven’t failed – only your plans have.”

Healthy people don’t expect to avoid competition. Also, they don’t allow the shadow of defeat dim the enjoyment of victory.

This week think about: 1) What defeat am I still carrying around? 2) How well do I celebrate victories? 3) What counsel do I give to those going through a loss?

Words of Wisdom: “Healthy people don’t expect to avoid competition.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 22, 2023

Fred studied leaders to find common denominators. One was the power of focus and concentration. Their personalities may be different, but the presence of passion was clear in each profile.

Maximizing Achievement

Every effective leader is imbued with passion. Accomplishment is often in direct proportion to the clarity and intensity of the leader’s passion. It gives focus and vision to the organization; and provides hope in difficult times.

I like this definition: “Passion is concentrated wisdom with high energy in the pursuit of meaning.” My friend, scholar, philosopher, and theologian Dr. Ramesh Richard advises students to “decide on their passion.” “What is your first love? If you have multiple passions you will be ripped to pieces internally, resulting in a fragmented, random life.” He continues as he talks to his seminarians, “If anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is your first love, you will fall into idolatry.” This is true for every Christ follower. Dr. Richard puts his passion this way: “To make God look good and Christ well known.”

Passion gives intensity, laser-like focus which protects us from the shallowness of mediocrity. We want to be welder’s torches, not candles on a birthday cake.

I overheard an older writer being interviewed by a young journalist. “What advice would you give me? What would you do if you were my age?” The man responded quickly, “Find something big enough to give myself to.” As I listened I thought of a missionary who exhibited tremendous executive skills in his foreign Christian work. He was noticed by a multi-national corporation developing an operation in the country where his ministry was based. They approached him about leaving to lead their new operation and were shocked when they made a lucrative financial offer and were turned down. Thinking the missionary was negotiating they kept raising the offer until they said “this is our final offer. How can you turn down such a prestigious position?” The missionary responded, “Your job is too small. I am a missionary with a commission from God.” He gave himself to something much bigger than himself.

We must ask “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?” Self-sacrifice is the acid test of our passion.
I like the prayer of the old saint “O, Lord, fill my will with fire!” He was asking for passion with a receptive, expectant attitude toward God. A pure passion turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This week carefully consider: 1) Dr. Richard talks about identifying passion. What is mine? 2) How does my passion impact my career and family choices? 3) When did I realize the power of passion?

Words of Wisdom: “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?”

Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 15, 2023

Fred took his last breath at 9:15am on August 17, 2007. Dialysis failed. He connected with the dialysis team so closely that one of them returned from his day off as soon as he heard early that morning of Fred’s imminent dialysis failure. He used his gifts well, connecting, stretching, and blessing.

Time Control

When I was consulting with Mobil Oil Corporation, the VP of Marketing and I developed a phrase which we used to minimize unnecessary work and centralize the organization’s thinking on the project. We called it “The Object of the Exercise.” This simply meant putting into one sentence what we were actually trying to do. It is unbelievable how seldom we do this. It is my usual habit to start each morning is to identify and decide what I am really trying to do that day. For me, this is the essence of time control.

One of my early mentors had this sign on his wall: “Results is the only excuse for activity.” On one occasion I was using a great many words to amplify the activity in order to cover up the meager results. He stopped me mid-sentence with, “Fred, show me the baby; don’t tell me about the labor pains.” He wasn’t unkind. He taught me an unforgettable career-influence lesson. As an aside, my children tell me this is high on the list of “things Dad taught me.”

I was having lunch with the President of a sizeable telephone companies after his company meeting. During conversation he told me he decided to stop taking his briefcase home. This surprised me because I knew of no other executive who would walk out of the office without the symbol of his true dedication – the briefcase. He went on to tell me how he came to that decision. “I found out that I spent a great deal of time during the work day sorting papers and filling a ‘take home’ pile. Right then I decided to take those papers out of that pile, stop sorting during the day – and get to work.”

One of my good friends is the CEO of a natural resources firm. “When I walk out the back door of the building and head for my car I make a shift. I am no longer the CEO, but husband and father. And that is the way it remains until I walk back into the building.” His executive friends had a hard time with this, but his marriage is a “’til death do us part” covenant.

Controlling time means seeing it as a limited asset with potential to be spent or invested. I choose investment.

This week think about: 1) What is my biggest time waster? 2) When do I feel God’s pleasure in the use of my time? 3) What would a stranger know about me by looking at my calendar?

Words of Wisdom: “Ascertaining what I am trying to do is the essence of time control.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he asks for grain but has nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 8, 2023

Fred knew the value of stories. He saw life principles and illustrations, recording them on machines through the eras from large reels of tape to tiny handhelds. His family regularly heard him in his home office late at night capturing ideas. “Period. Paragraph” was the transition from thought to thought. This week you can peek into his collection.

Stories are Everywhere

1) When I was a teenager working in a service station, Louisiana politician Huey Long talked about dividing up the wealth. It struck me as an interesting survey to conduct, so I asked each customer who came in what they would do if all the national wealth were distributed. I found those without anything would quit their jobs and spend the money. Those with money would invest what they received. I thought: the cycle would turn very quickly where those with money would have it again and most of those without it would be waiting for another distribution.

2) I knew an oil man who owned a lot of big rigs. He moved around checking on them in the various locations. Doing this he came upon a young man leaning against the rail on one of his rigs. He asked the young fellow: “Who do you work for?” When the young man told him he replied, “I am he; and don’t ever stand still on my time. When there’s nothing to do, jump up and down.”

3) As I went into surgery at Mayo Clinic, my physician and longtime dear friend Dr. James Cain who had been President Johnson’s doctor and a very revered man of medicine came over to spend an hour or two before I went into the operating room. As he left the room he put his hand on my knee and said, “God bless.” I know the difference between a benediction and the Last Rites so it didn’t bother me at all. “Thanks, Jim.” I had been blessed by his touch.

4) Once during a difficult period in our plant operations we were all working unusually hard. I was in the plant with one of our employees long after the shift had ended. I felt particular gratitude for the solution of our problem said to the him, “I think we had some outside help.” He said, “We had inside help because only when the outside help gets inside is there real help.” A good lesson.

This week think about: 1) How do I capture life stories? 2) What can I do to sharpen my observation skills? 3) When can my life stories help illustrate key principles?

Words of Wisdom: “If you want information, turn to the news. If you want knowledge, turn to study. If you want wisdom, turn to divine principles.”

Wisdom from the Word: “He told them many things in parables.” (Matthew 13:3 (a) NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 1, 2023

Fred opened mental files into which he dropped ideas year by year. There were three friends (two pastors and a national speaker) who had their own folders. Every time he heard, read, or saw something he considered a fit for one of them he fed it into their folder ready for their next visit or phone call. It was fascinating to see him mentally open and “download” the info gathered in the appropriate file. One file he added to over the years was called “there is a difference between.” In one group of notes there are pages of examples covering five years of observation.

There Is A Difference Between

1) There is a difference between the fast and frantic track. Some people go so frantically they don’t recognize they’re going in circles… their pace keeps them from seeing they have passed the same place repeatedly. They are only conscious of speed, not direction.

2) There is quite a difference between hope that is based on something and blind optimism which is not. For example, those people who say, “I could quite drinking any time I want to”, are blindly optimistic; those who quit and say, “I will get over the terrible urge” are hopeful.

3) There’s a difference between a talk and a communication… and it mainly hinges on response. People generally hear a talk; people generally personalize communication and take action.

4) Oswald Chambers points out the difference between “God is love,” and “God is loving.” We define loving, but God defines love.

5) There is a difference between those who take from life and those who get from life. Taking is an aggressive act; getting denotes receiving something offered as a gift. We cannot take blessings from God; we simply accept what He gives – what He chooses for us to get.

6) There is certainly a difference between self-development and self-fulfillment – we develop into a spring of fresh, flowing water; when we focus on fulfillment we too often end in a dead sea. Development is the means to the end of being more capable of helping others; fulfillment is simply the end in itself.

7) There is a difference between a sponsor who will lend you their influence and credibility as you grow and a mentor who will join with you to develop your talents.

8) It is important to know the difference between characters faults and irritating habits. I have a friend who constantly sniffs while he talks (it makes me want to run away!) and one who lies. One is an irritating habit while the others is a character flaw. There is a considerable difference.

9) There is a difference between strong will and stubbornness. The first should be (and usually is) cause oriented; the other reflects self-will.

10) There is a distinct difference between regret, remorse, and repentance.

This week think carefully about: 1) How good am I at making distinctions and recognizing differences? 2) Which one makes me particularly stop and think? 3) What is the role of discernment in a mature life?

Words of Wisdom: “There is a difference between wanting to be right and wanting to be good.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;” (Proverbs 2:10 NET Bible)