Encouragement

Leslie Levine once wrote, “We flourish under the benefits of encouragement and acceptance.” It’s true, and there is a deep need for it in every age. I am convinced that most failures in life are due to a lack of encouragement. A smile, a high five, a “I know you can do it!” can make all the difference.

The Bible tells us about a man who bestowed such benefits. His name was Joseph, but early on the disciples nicknamed him “Barnabas” which means “Son of Encouragement.”

First there was Saul, later know as Paul. When no one would accept him into the church at Jerusalem, because they remembered his “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples,” Barnabas saw into his heart and said, “Look People, this is a good man, a changed man, I trust him.” And so it was that Barnabas saved the one who would give us most of the New Testament.

Then there was John Mark. On the first missionary journey, you remember, this young man deserted and went back home to Jerusalem. By the time Paul and Barnabas returned, Mark had realized what he had done and had repented of his failure. Heartbroken, miserable, he desperately needed understanding and a second chance. But Paul would have none of it. “Take you with us again? Sorry,” he declared, “No way! You had your chance and you blew it!”

And this is the guy who could write so eloquently, “If anyone is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual should restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness lest you too be tempted.”

It’s so nice to see it written, but Barnabas lived it out. Seeing Mark, shattered, battered and beaten, Barnabas said, “Hey, fellow! You come and go with me.” We wouldn’t have “The Gospel According to Mark” if it wasn’t for Barnabas.

Barnabas wrote no books. He founded no famous institutions. His name is on no great church—“First Barnabas Baptist Church!” No, this is what they said about Barnabas. Listen to these words from the scriptures: “He was a good man, a just man, a kind man, and because of him many were won to the kingdom.” Wow!

And, finally, when Barnabas came to the end of his life and was quietly laid to rest, I picture a lot of people gathered there. They weren’t talking about what he accomplished here or what he accomplished there, what great church he built in this place or what famous institution he founded in that place. No, they were saying, “Let me tell you what Barnabas did for me.”

You see, living a life that counts for Christ and his kingdom doesn’t necessarily mean doing spectacular things. It means living in such a way, and doing things for people that it makes a difference in their lives.

Alfred Lord Tennyson said it this way,

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sand of time.

Only one question remains. Are you and I encouragers?

Clyde Nichols is a retired minister, having served First Christian Church in Temple for 27 years as senior minister. He is the author of three books of devotionals and writes a religious column for several Texas newspapers, including The Reporter.

“This is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)