“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:37-41 (ESV)

Sometimes it’s hard for us to get along with each other.

We are different in so many ways, that it can be hard to understand each other. But as servants of our Lord, we need to make every effort to focus on the work we have in common, rather than our differences. In Acts, we see this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas create a significant change in their evangelistic efforts. Yet, it resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. Where there had previously been two men ministering the gospel, now there were four.

Additionally, we see later in Paul’s second letter to Timothy that regardless of the past, Paul is still focused on his mission. He tells Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11.

Eager to main the unity of the Spirit

So, when Paul writes, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph 4:1-3, he is living out this message that he has preached.

His example should be one that we strive to follow. Baker Heights is amidst its search for a preacher, so it is especially important now, with all the different opinions of this one or that one, this style of preaching, etc. that we commit to love each other and be loving and forgiving. We are all part of the same body given the same mission to carry out. We should be committed to be the person who will be at peace with our brothers and sisters.

Abound in the Work for the Lord

Finally, I provide another of Paul’s encouragements from 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Let us all be diligent in our work for the Lord, seeking unity in our mission to make disciples and teach the Word of God.