The Barnabas Objective

(I wrote this the other day after a good sermon and sudden inspiration to share...)

Do you know who Barnabas was?

In the New Testament was a man named Joseph, but he is better known as Barnabas. We see him in Acts 4:35-37 where the local church is providing for one another and this man donated the proceeds from the sale of his field. Chapter 4:36 tells us that Barnabas actually means "son of encouragement." While his name was Joseph, they called him "son of encouragement."
We see him later accompanying Paul on his missionary journeys. We see him sticking up for his cousin against Paul. We see him pouring his life out for others.

Last night we listened to a session by Cindy Patten, a keynote speaker at the 09 Women Discipling Women Conference held by The Master's College. She spoke on our words and how we use them, giving Barnabas as an example. She described Barnabas as one of the 2 people in the Bible with whom she wanted to relate.

What does it mean to be a son of encouragement? Cindy explained that Barnabas was one who's words always lifted up, always edified, always encouraged; he was someone who was others focused, who spoke on behalf of other people and built relationships on these words. They called him what he WAS, not what he was called. Barnabas, Son of Encouragement.

I put to you this challenge: The Barnabas Objective
Be a Barnabas. Use your words to lift up, edify, affirm, encourage, focus on the good things.

Cindy pointed out that if we think of all the hurts that we have either experienced or inflicted, we would see that they are mostly on account of words. Things we have SAID to hurt others or vice/verse, even in "jest."

So, at the risk of sounding totally corny, I ENCOURAGE you to be a Barnabas. :) :)

Read up on Barney for yourself:
Acts chapters 4-15