Parting Company
There is a "sharp disagreement" between Paul and Barnabas (the encourager) over whether or not to give John Mark another chance. Paul clearly felt that John Mark was a deserter and with good reason. Barnabas clearly felt he was still valuable to the ministry and that forgiveness was in order.
Discerning the will of God can often cause division among people and leaders. It is important to note that this disagreement was not the kind that kills the desire to serve. Both Barnabas and Paul took off to the mission field. This was a disagreement about the team, which would affect other components, like method and direction. It was a decision about an event in their lives, but rather a long journey. If people are not ready to make the long journey with a group of people or a person, they need to have the wisdom to walk away and find different group of people or person for a long journey. Otherwise the next conflict might be the conflict that drives people from the church and destroys the witness and hearts of the believer. It gives Satan a foothold.
Prayer: Guard my heart and my mouth and give me discernment in the teams I build and join. May I never cause disagreements that distroy faith. May I never compromise your call on my destiny.
Created over 2 years ago
