Bringing out the best

I read a great story this week about George and Barbara Bush. No - I'm not getting political here, just talking about real life! So, George and Barbara were on the campaign trail and stopped to get some gas. The attendant happened to be an old high-school sweetheart of Barbara's. George later told Barbara, "Just think. If you had married him, you'd be the wife of a gas-station attendant."
Barbara very quickly told him, "George, you're confused. If I had married him, he'd be president of the United States."
It's amazing how some people have the ability to bring out the best in others. Maybe Barbara Bush is one of these people, I don't know. But I do know that this is something all leaders, all parents, all husbands and wives must strive to do: Help others become what they can be.
Is it easy? Absolutely not! It's a difficult task to help others develop their potential. Paul compared it to childbirth. He said to the Galatians: "Oh my dear children! I feel as though I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." (Galatians 4:19)
When it comes to building others, what's the difference between inspiring them and nagging them? The tone of voice you use is the first indicator.
The second indicator is the words you choose. Are they accusatory or encouraging? Do they imply doubt or belief in the other person's ability to reach the goal?
The third indicator is your willingness to hang in there with them. If you're constantly threatening to withdraw from the relationship, to wash your hands and walk away, you're not inspiring them -- you're loading them down with guilt.
Paul told the Philippians that he was confident God would finish what he started in them. [Philippians 1:6] Let's show that same confidence to those whom God has given us to lead.

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