You Cannot Encourage Enough

We all want to change the world. We want to have an impact, to do something meaningful with our lives, have a purpose. But what if our impact is not actually felt through us? What if we are here to encourage someone else?

Not everyone is called to be an influence to the world. But our importance is not based on how many people we reach. I offer for consideration two object lessons - Barnabas and the pastor who influenced Billy Graham.

Barnabas was a member of the early Church and the person who vouched for Paul after he had been radically changed from Saul to Paul by an encounter with Christ. People were hesitant to trust this "Paul", for good reason, but Barnabas believed in him and encouraged him. In fact, Barnabas means "son of encouragement". Clearly he was well known for his encouraging ways. Barnabas is mentioned in the Bible, sure, but he is certainly over-shadowed by Paul. However, would Paul have become the force for Christ had it not been for Barnabas? We'll never know for sure but Barnabas lived to be used by God and God used him to impact the man who would take the Gospel to the world!

Moving to a more modern example now, practically everyone has heard of Billy Graham, even if you're not a Christian. He's one of the most famous men of the 20th century. He presented the message of Jesus to thousands, if not millions of people, and God used him in powerful ways. But how did he get to those stadiums? I heard somewhere (probably Eric Metaxas' book Seven More Men) about a pastor who was a great influence on a young Billy. History does not remember him now. I don't know his name. But through his faithfulness, the world was changed.

Neither of these men are famous, other than because of their connection with one who is world-renowned. You think of Billy Graham and Paul but not of a pastor or Barnabas. But the faithfulness of these men, who just loved and encouraged and believed in those God placed in their paths, led to great change for the world.

You and I may never speak in front of thousands or write books that will be read for hundreds of years. We may never argue and important case or make legislation. We may never do anything to get remembered by the history books. And that's okay. What we should be doing is to be faithfully encouraging the people in our lives. We need to believe in them and support them in the callings and passions that they have. Who knows? We just may be encouraging the next William Wilberforce, Billy Graham, or Mother Teresa.

Don't be shy in giving encouragement. We never need to make things up or lie, but there is so much we can call out in people for good and give them encouragement. It's invaluable and so badly needed! Get out there and encourage!