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Not Everyone is a Barnabas
“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.” - Acts 4:36-37
Barnabas was the one to come to Paul’s, formerly Saul, defense in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30) and, eventually, was a travel companion of Paul. The leaders in Jerusalem trusted Barnabas to be an encouragement to the Christians in Antioch. These were new Christians and Acts 11 tells us that he encouraged them to remain steadfast, purposeful and many more were added to the Lord. He was insistent in standing by John Mark as they prepared to visit the churches that had been established (Acts 15).
There is no doubt that Barnabas lived up to his name. Can you imagine what it would take for others to see your life and describe you as being a Barnabas? It seems like a tall order! I think that is why I have heard people say that not everyone is meant to be a Barnabas or that it comes easier to some than others. Something hit me recently: that’s what you say when something is really hard to accomplish. It’s also what you say when you don’t feel like putting in the amount of effort that is necessary.
It might be true that some people find it easier to have a Barnabas-type mentality, but should we just write off the possibility of being like Barnabas? I truly believe the answer to that is, “No!” Being a Barnabas isn’t just about being positive in every situation or always having a smile on your face. It requires planning, true effort, sacrifice and a selflessness when interacting with others. Barnabas saw the good in people even when someone else didn’t. He didn’t make up the good, but decided to find it. He sacrificed what was his own so that others he didn’t even know could have something to call their own. He rejoiced in others’ success and was an aid in their failures. He was more than a shoulder to cry on, he was someone that would walk with you as you tried to get on the right path.
Be positive because you have reason to rejoice in Christ. Give more because God has given all. Put faith in others and help them along. Consider the glory of Christ over your own and exalt others over yourself.
For me, that sounds like a lot. It sounds difficult. My response, and yours, should be to ask, “What way can I be more like Barnabas today and tomorrow?” instead of, “Well, not everyone is meant to be a Barnabas. That’s just certain special individuals.” My encouragement to you is to reject that line of thinking. Instead, determine in your heart to put on the mind of Barnabas and put it into practice as you live out your day.
