Weekly Thought – October 3, 2017
Fred would agree with our Christian higher educational leaders who value character as the foundation of a God-honoring life. Many of the questions Fred asked explored personal integrity.
Ideas to Ponder
(The AM/PM group asked Fred to capture some of the mentoring questions they discussed monthly. Later on, the BWF Project asked him to give his thumbnail answers to them. Fred had no preparation – these are his top of mind responses while lying in his hospital bed.)
1) Am I a follower as well as a leader? Until we follow well we certainly cannot be effective leaders. I have never wanted a leader who had not had successful experience in following. In fact, seldom in life do we have complete and sole responsibilities for leadership only. Someone well disciplined in following understands well the principles in leadership. For example, in sports the quarterback follows the coach but leads the team.
2) What are the key relationships in my life? We need to relate well to our immediate family and honor our parents. We also need to commit to the relationships with worthwhile friends because they can be a lifetime asset. It is also healthy to develop good relations with our role models and our mentors. And of course, our spiritual relationship is primary and foundational.
3) Can I define my philosophy of life? Our philosophy, like our character, is the source of most of our important decisions. A good philosophy will make you useful. I have often said a right philosophy of life will see you successfully into the grave while a right theology will you successfully through the grave. To me a correct philosophy is one of stewardship not ownership. The Scripture says we have nothing but what we have received and so we are responsible for our gifts without having a right to them.
4) How do I value my time? Someone has said “show me your date book and your check book and I will tell you who you really are.” As we grow older we particularly understand the importance of investing time, not just spending it.
5) What am I currently doing for personal development? Our thoughts, actions, and decisions will largely determine who we will become. The more balanced we are in each area of our life (for example, career, family, faith, finances, physical, emotional, mental) the more productive we can be. No one other than Christ was truly balanced but that doesn’t mean we should neglect any areas. I find writing down my personal development plan is effective for accomplishment.
6) Do I learn chiefly by reading or hearing? Generally we are more proficient in one or the other. I have worked with and for highly effective executives who have a clear tendency toward one learning style. It is important to know your own style. Personally, I am a very slow reader but I retain a great deal. I take notes on almost everything I hear which works well for me in processing and applying the principles.
This week think about: 1) How prepared am I to answer these questions? 2) What helps me the most about Fred’s questioning process? 3) What question would I ask Fred if I could?
Words of Wisdom: “To me a correct philosophy of life is one of stewardship not ownership.”
Wisdom from the Word: “The Lord values the lives of his faithful followers.” (Psalm 116:15 NET Bible)