Quotable Quotes, Part 1

"All boats rise with the tide." This doesn't sound very profound at first read. It's the context in which they were spoken that makes them powerful words for me. I don't know who first said this quote. I heard it from a professional speaker named Jim Snack, and he said them when he was explaining his philosophy on helping others. Jim is a phenomenally successful professional speaker and magician, and he is also very down to earth and willing to go above and beyond to help other people succeed in whatever they set out to do. When I complimented him on his positive influence and selflessness, he responded with the above quote. In other words, by helping others, he raises the bar of what professionalism is, and in so doing, the entire industry (in his case, speaking and magical entertainment) is enhanced. We in the church would be wise to follow this idea as well, both those behind the pulpit and those in the pews. Helping others with our ideas, sharing what books have influenced us, inspiring with personal testimonies, encouraging with mutual accountability, and even challenging with a good swift kick in the pants when necessary (in a loving manner!). What can you do to raise the bar in your area of influence? Who can you help in some special way, noticed or unnoticed? What are you giving back? Are you helping others to rise, or are you bringing others down? Food for thought for today. More formational quotes to come...