This past Sunday, I was re-introduced to Barnabas. I’ve known about Barnabas for a while now: the one named Joseph but called Barnabas by the Apostles meaning 'Son of Encouragement.' Barnabas was the one who went to bat for Saul with the Apostles after his conversion (Acts 9) and then traveled widely with him throughout his ministry. Our pastor challenged us to “be a Barnabas” to someone this week. I began to consider what it means to "be a Barnabas" to others and came to a stark realization: most of us don’t bother.

I realize I’m making generalizations here but think about it. There are several things that Barnabas did that we should model:

• Barnabas was an encourager. Are we considered an encourager to those around us? For that matter, when was the last time we encouraged anyone?
• Barnabas believed in someone when all reason said he shouldn’t. Do we have the courage to believe in people when all reason says we shouldn’t?
• Barnabas came alongside of Saul and supported him and his ministry for the duration. When was the last time we saw potential in someone, came alongside them and supported them beyond a check or handshake?
• Barnabas stuck with Paul. When was the last time we stuck with anyone for the long haul? No cheating, family doesn’t count.

Trust me, my toes are hurting too. In our nation of busy, self righteous, all important people, we think very little of the person standing beside us on the elevator, street corner or grocery isle. We go about our lives and outside of our inner circle of friends and family, we rarely invest in anyone else. 

            “But wait! I do those things! I see and invest in other people!”

I hear you! As Christians, we believe that we are better than that…but are we? Can we name people outside our inner circle who are struggling and need our support? When was the last time we stopped to listen as an acquaintance vented or expressed frustration? Who do we come in contact with weekly or even daily that we never see much less smile at or encourage?

It takes courage to step out and invest in those we don’t know very well. They may reject us, hurt us or make us look like fools. I wonder, though. Did Barnabas consider all those things before he went to bat for Saul with the Apostles?