reTHINK Caring

The term caring is very ambiguous – what does it mean to care?

The story of Paul and Barnabas' argument over John Mark is a primary example. Barnabas was an incredible friend to Paul. He was with him when Paul was called Saul ... from the very beginning of Paul's ministry. Barnabas befriended Paul as Paul started his ministry. Many of the believers were still fearful of Paul because of his notoriety for persecuting Christians. Barnabas was willing to be the one to come alongside Paul to validate that his conversion was geniune and to "open doors" for him among the believers. Barnabas accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey.

Yet, in spite of this strong relationship, this happened (Acts 15:36-41):

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Did Paul not care about Mark? Did Barnabas care more? Both of these men were operating in God's will. Barnabas was an encourager (probably an ENFP :-) with the gifts of encouragement and mercy) and Paul was a leader (probably an ENTJ with the gift of leadership, prophecy, and admonishment). They were friends, but they had different styles and approaches. There was a time while their partnership worked. Yet, in this instance, they were NOT UNITED in the methods concerning dealing with John Mark. But, neither was wrong.

Barnabas focused on his gift and "developed" Mark. Mark ultimately wrote the Gospel of Mark. Paul, on the other hand, focused on his calling, his specific mission, and stayed the course -- strengthening the churches as it reads in the text. Barnabas, an encourager, had accomplished what God had intended with Paul. His gifts were now needed with a younger Mark who was probably discouraged because he had been unable to complete his first trip with Paul and Barnabas. Paul, on the other hand, needed to continue to live out his calling to reach Asia Minor with the good news of Jesus Christ. By his decision, he also underscored the seriousness of a life lived for Christ. Mark would learn the seriousness of living out a calling. Later in his journeys, Paul calls for Mark:

Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11 NLT)

Rather than continuing fighting over the issue, they recognized the disunity and moved onto their separate giftedness and calling. God was blessed and honored in both.