When you look at your life who has been the biggest influence. Parents, teachers, friends…?
My parents had the largest impact on my early years, that is certain. I can still hear some of those simple childhood teachings. As a young wife and mother there were some gracious women who mentored me, one without knowing it. Her example was life changing.
Of course, the Bible has had the biggest impact on my life. Watching how godly people, men and women, conduct themselves in their daily lives is such an encouragement. Watching pious and selfish people’s example is a warning of things I try to avoid.
I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and I have paid close attention to the verses that mention Barnabas.
“…Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.” Acts 4:34-37 CEV
The first mention of Barnabas shows that he was a generous man. A man of compassion. A good example.
The early Christians were being persecuted for choosing Christ over the religions of the day. Many of them were disowned and left without home or property. Others were imprisoned and still some were murdered for their faith in Christ.
He was called “one who encourages others”. A good example.
When Saul, who had been arresting Christians, came to Christ Barnabas validated his change of heart with the apostles. He gave testimony that Paul had a true conversion and should be accepted.
Barnabas was able to put Paul’s past aside and saw who he was becoming in Christ. Barnabas was the one who brought Saul to preach and teach to the believers in a town called Antioch. It was there that both Barnabas and Saul were sent out to be missionaries.
“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me. They are the ones I have chosen to do it.” Acts 13:2 ERV
They ministered together for years and then Barnabas separated ways with Paul and began encouraging his nephew, John Mark, while Paul continued traveling with a man called Silas. Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Barnabas encouraged the saints. Both were used by God.
The Lord brings people into our lives. Some are only passing through, others become life-long friends. Whatever the period of time, we should be a good example. Loving them unconditionally as Christ has loved us. Forgetting their past and seeing who Christ is helping them become.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 ERV
Love makes us a good example. Lord, I want to be that example to others!
After the tornado warning last night, it is so obvious what truly mattered to me: my children, husband, & pets. I did grab $keys, phone & purse as soon as everyone was safely in basement, only because I knew it would be helpful if we lost all else. I thank God that we only had minor flooding as far as I can see so far.
MaryBeth I am so glad you only had minor issues! I remember my first tornado warning in Iowa years ago. An Arizona girl I didn’t know anything about them. We were in a place we weren’t familiar with so when the radio said the effected counties, I had no idea if we were in emminent danger or not. This was a time I also grabbed my phone, my husband, daughter (college age), my computer and my keys and headed for a safe place at the RV park. Lots of prayer and relying on the Lord to bring us through safely.
Under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty is the best place to be!