The Barnabas Mind-set

In my devotions recently I read Psalm 37:37: “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.”  Look around you for those who are making us stand taller by their support and encouragement. Consider their lives; observe the upright and their daily walk with the Lord. Thank them for what they mean to you.

One of my dearest girlfriends in all the world, Pat Staton, passed away in May. Brant and I were privileged to be part of her memorial service in Indiana. My daughter Debbie called our group of Indiana girlfriends the “crazy ladies.” Debbie often told them how glad she was that they “were there for Mom” for years through happiness and sorrow. All the friends and family at Pat’s funeral knew for sure...every kindness, compliment, accolade spoken about her was true!!! For years, I watched (as the Psalmist suggested) “the blameless...the upright” and I desired to be like Pat...a Barnabas for Jesus.

The book, THE BARNABAS WAY (John Sloan, Waterbrook Press), is a “Wow!” book, although only 119 pages. Barnabas might be called part of the “support team” today. The Barnabas mind-set is simple: showing compassion to others, reaching out to others, and encouraging others. “Barnabas” means “comfort.”  When people see you, including your family, do they think of you as a “comfort” or as a “pain”?

Lisa Beamer (whose husband Todd was killed September 11, 2001, as a hero in the plane) was speaking at Wheaton College. She asked this: "Who is becoming whole again on my watch? What is being healed through my influence?" Aren't those great questions to ask ourselves?

One of the most amazing acts of encouragement by anyone that is recorded in the Bible is told to us in Acts 9.  Saul had just met Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was totally changed, yet not all were convinced. Acts 9:26b states that the disciples “were afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple.”

BUT...along came BARNABAS... (Acts 9:27-30). “Barnabas took him (Saul) and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he {Saul) had seen the Lord in the way...he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus...” Because of Barnabas, Saul (Paul) was received and began his unbelievable ministry. We know that Barnabas also encouraged John Mark in the ministry (Acts 15:39). Perhaps this led to our having the Gospel of Mark to read today!

 I doubt that Barnabas went around reminding everyone that HE was the one responsible for Paul’s power and influence. Pushing others ahead is not easy - accepting second place for ourselves.

The author John Sloan tells the reader we need to “take a risk...seek out those who stand in the lonely corners of life.”  What about in GBC, in your office, in your family? Are there people on the “edge” or in the “lonely corners of life” who need to be encouraged...even though success is not guaranteed!

Living “the Barnabas way,” according to John Sloan, is “job security.” All it takes is the willingness on our part to seek out someone who needs encouragement. As you have your “Cup of Grace” with your cup of java, ask the Lord to give you that person today. Maybe you, through a visit, phone call, or card, can “walk alongside someone toward a happier ending.”

--Maylou Holladay