The Monday Memo

Run in such a way as to win the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

I was in a production of My Fair Lady in high school. My role was small; I think I was credited as the third cockney on the left. But didn’t someone say somewhere that there are no small roles?

Regardless, our school was entered in a state-wide drama competition. First prize included the chance to perform in a professional playhouse. The judges were scheduled to come to the Saturday night performance, but for some reason they showed up on Thursday, the night of our dress rehearsal.

Shortly before the performance, our director explained the mixup to the cast and crew: “This is not just a run-through. Tonight counts. Give your best performance.”

This changed the atmosphere backstage. Getting everything right — every line, every cue, every entrance and exit — was now more important than ever. The judges were in the audience. This was no dress rehearsal. It was the real thing.

You know what? The life you’re living today is the real thing. Sometimes we live as if this is all a run-through, as if we’ll have another shot at it someday.

This is it. Life is now. There is no dress rehearsal. Today counts.

By the way, we won the competition that year.

There’s a great story that’s been told about George and Barbara Bush. They were on the campaign trail and stopped to pull over for a tank of gas. The attendant happened to be an old high-school sweetheart of Barbara’s. George later remarked, “Just think. If you had married him, you’d be the wife of a gas-station attendant.”

Barbara replied, “George, you’re confused. If I had married him, he’d be president of the United States.”

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.

It’s not always easy helping 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?

Your tone of voice 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.