April 23

Sometimes as we sing the song of life, there is a nagging refrain that hauntingly follows our cheery verses of hope and encouragement. It whispers into our spirit through the ups and downs that intrude into our song almost daily. Its, “Why bother?” interjects a lament into what we’re trying to sing as a joyful tune.

The youthful Timothy learned something of value through his observation of the contention between the great Apostle Paul and Barnabas. The fact is that their disagreement over inclusion of John Mark in their missionary team resulted in having two teams go forward with the gospel instead of just one!

God used the difference of opinion between the two men to further His own purposes—just as He can use the twists and turns of our lives to enhance the eternal purposes that He esteems higher than our temporal endeavors. But there is a necessary intermediate step that must be taken to facilitate it. Paul and Barnabas took it before they continued their separate missionary journeys.

As is pointed out in II Timothy 2:21, “A man must purge himself of dishonor so he may be sanctified for the Master’s use in every good work.” Bitterness cannot stand, nor can any unresolved attitude be between us and the Lord. When we have set right the wrong in our own heart, we may go forward to serve the Lord as did Paul and Barnabas, and we may sing the song of salvation in joy.