Are you ready to quit?

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13

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. Acts 15:36-38

When we look at this story, we are not told why John (also called Mark) left Paul and his companions (including Barnabas) in Pamphylia. He may have been tired, afraid, or frustrated. Knowing all that Paul went through during his adventures in ministry (2 Cor. 11), we might understand that. Or, maybe he had another valid ministry to move to. In other words, to John, the reason may have been valid and not deserving of Paul's label of desertion. It may be, judging by his desire to bring him along later, that Barnabas also agreed with John's reason for leaving. Paul, however, disagreed to the point that he could no longer depend upon him for his second missionary journey.

We have all experienced being left behind by those who quit. Whether they quit a ministry or a church, it hurts. Sometimes, it feels like someone has cut off something from us. Like John (also called Mark), quitters describe the decision as just for many reasons. But, no matter the reason, when they are not being sent (see Acts 13 referenced below), then they are quitting - and it hurts.

Of course, we must remember that many, if not all of us, are just as tempted to quit and many, if not all of us, have given up the work of the Lord at least once in our lives. And we remember that God forgives. God loves. God reconciles. God builds up. God restores. He reminds us to "...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)

We are relieved to read later in the Scriptures that Paul refers to John (also called Mark) as one who is helpful (2 Tim. 4:11) - reminding us that quitters can mature and reconcile and build trust to serve again.

The sad relational aspect to all this is the collateral damage to the young in the faith. Not just those who are chronologically young, but also the "babes in Christ" who are looking for someone to show them who Jesus is and how His followers can demonstrate a Christ-lived life. As they watch their leaders leave, they are unintentionally taught that it's okay to quit and leave behind those who are counting on them.

Does this mean that no one can ever leave a ministry or a church? Of course not. The calling includes "the sent". In Acts 13:1-3, Saul (soon to be called Paul) and Barnabas are sent off by the church in Antioch under the direction and command of the Holy Spirit. A release is part of the call - as is a humble approach to leadership seeking their affirmation and confirmation in the Spirit of God.

So, instead, I thank God for the Timothys. The ones who are "faithful in the Lord." (1 Cor. 4:17a). These are the ones who stick close, remain faithful to their calling by God, and seek to build up the body demonstrating God's faithfulness through their loyalty and perseverance. Timothy was known to have "proved himself" (Phil. 2:22) in the faith as a trusted "brother and God's fellow worker" - one who would "strengthen and encourage" others (I Thess. 3:2). I know so many Timothys (both brothers and sisters) and I thank God for them as they serve in front and in obscurity, faithfully carrying out the privilege of service in the Lord's work.

The question for today, and every day, is: are you and I going to be a John (Mark) or a Timothy?

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