Weekly Thoughts – April 21, 2015
Fred blogged before blogging was cool (or even a word). Often in the middle of the night he awoke, grabbed his tape recorder, and created what he called “mini essays.” They capture a thought in post-size pieces. Two of them are shared and more will come. Fred is regarded as “timely and timeless” because his thinking fit way before and way after his time.
THANK YOU for praying as we begin the planning for the 2016 Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institutes.
It Works
Recently I attended a Guideposts seminar on “The Power of Positive Thinking in Business.” Attending was a very bright woman executive who was EVP of a large corporation. During the break she wanted to visit.
In the conversation she said, I used to be a Methodist but now I’m an all-out New Ager because it works for me. She said it with such emphasis, conviction, and triumph I wanted to learn more of her story but the break ended.
When I hear leaders claim God’s blessings on their efforts because “it works” I question their thinking. Many times we rationalize questionable methods as practical because “they work – human methods”.
Is “working” the real test of spiritual endeavors? My friend Warren Hultgren, the former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Tulsa, OK, pointed out to me that “working” is a faulty measure. After all, Moses got water after striking the rock twice… it looked like it worked. But he was denied access into the Promised Land for his disobedience.
Our non-scriptural, human methods might work, but do they keep us from entering the Promised Land? Pragmatism with a high price tag!
From Function to Friend
Years ago I met John Stein, the famous impresario who brought several of the great stars to Broadway. When I asked him about the secret of popularity and longevity, he said, “They go on the platform as an entertainer, but they come off as a person.” He explained how they moved from function to friend. They are not interested in image. They are interested that the function is transformed into reality… that they become individuals to the audience.
I feel this is an important lesson in leadership in any profession. The great doctors I know are able to make this move. There are some who remain scientists and detached, but others become human. This can apply to lawyers, teachers, executives, and pastors. Some focus on the function to separate and protect themselves. Ironically, these walls ultimately create loneliness and alienation. Whole people want to be more than a function – they want to be real.
This week consider: 1) If I were to wake up in the middle of the night, what thoughts would I want to capture? 2) What are my blog themes? 3) How can I help others by organizing my thoughts?
Words of Wisdom: “Our non-scriptural, human methods might work, but do they keep us from entering the Promised Land? Pragmatism with a high price tag!”
Wisdom from the Word: “These are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ!” (Colossians 2:17 NET Bible)