Great Influence

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.  He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,  and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.  Acts 11:22-25

Great men don’t become such without being greatly influenced. We know Saul as the Apostle Paul. He wrote nearly half of the books in the New Testament and is arguably one of the most influential Jesus-following minds the world has ever known. There is little doubt that Paul had the necessary passion, drive, and determination to do great things. But it was a mentor that influenced this great influencer. After being redirected by Jesus, Paul is then mentored by Barnabas.

Notice what Barnabas does. He first arrives in Antioch, the third largest urban center in the Roman Empire. After seeing what God was stirring up, he traveled one hundred miles out of his way to include Paul. Then Barnabas teaches with Paul for one year, building the church up while mentoring Paul. This is highly intentional discipleship that resulted in many of the biblical books we enjoy today.

In my day to day life, I don’t often think of including others for the sake of mentoring them. My day is usually full and getting things done by myself. I can figure this life out alone and don’t need help. This is a lie that many men succumb to. For a season that may be true, but all of us are or could become better because of mentorship. Becoming a great man requires a great influence. We all need to find one and be one.

DO THIS TODAY: Ask someone to share what they are learning about God. Share a truth you’ve learned about God.