Part 2- What is a Fred?

Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

In its simplest form, a “Fred” is someone who puts other’s first and in by doing so, brings much joy to them self. In the book, The Fred Factor, Fred was an ordinary man with an ordinary job who went to extraordinary lengths to please his customers without any investment other than his time. He went above and beyond expectations to complete his job each day. Fred is the kind of person we all want on our team, so to speak, especially when it comes to customer service. We notice people who go out of their way to make sure that you have the best experience or walk away feeling as if you won the lottery. A “Fred” will probably be smiling as he goes about his work. Happiness will exude from his being. No fakeness in him.

A person with the characteristics of a “Fred” does what they do from the heart; not because of acclamation or a pay raise, nor for the excessive gratitude it may bring, but simply because it’s part of their nature, their heart. My daddy always taught us kids if we were going to do something, do it to the best of our ability or don’t do it all. A “Fred” does more than is needed.

I thought of Jesus feeding the 5000 with only a few loaves of bread and a few fish. His miracle didn’t end when everyone was fed. It ended when there was food left over for others to take home. How often did Jesus, go above and beyond what was needed? Every. Single. Day. He didn’t just allow Simon Peter and Thomas to catch a mess of fish after a long day of catching nothing. He overloaded the boat to the point they thought the nets might tear. Jesus was not satisfied with healing a few people along the way, he helped all who sought him and even some who couldn’t but were brought by others. It was his nature, his purpose.

Sitting in church and in Sunday School we often hear about the characteristics of Jesus. By emulating Jesus, we are allowing others to see Jesus in us. But, we have to do more than just emulate. We have to commit it to heart. It has to become part of our being. I believe Fred was filled with Jesus. I sure would like to ask him one day. Let me clarify that “Good works” alone does not make you saved nor will it buy you a ticket to Heaven. I’m simply saying that people who have Jesus in their HEART show it with their everyday lives by doing the things unexpected, above and beyond required, and with great joy.

Colossians 3:22-24a Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly master, not by way of eye-service, as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.