DEVOTION – DAY 372

Acts 15:36-38 “Some time later, Paul said to Barnabas,“

Let us go back and visit the believers 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 was wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.”

Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over whether or not John Mark should accompany them on some mission work. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark but Paul disagreed because he thought he was unreliable. Their disagreement over this matter caused them to part ways. Barnabas took John Mark and they set sail for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas as his travelling companion and they went through Syria and Cilicia.

In serving the Lord, there are times that we may disagree with our fellow co-workers. People may disagree over how limited resources are to be used or shared. People may disagree with how the work is to be divided. People may disagree with the deadlines or project milestones set. People may disagree over different working styles. Although disagreements may sometimes arise, let us learn from Paul and Barnabas’s example. They disagreed over John Mark. So, they agreed to go their separate ways. But they would continue to serve the Lord in taking the gospel message to the rest of the Mediterranean area. The work of the Lord must not be disrupted because of minor disagreements between fellow co-workers. To allow disagreements and minor differences to affect the work of God would be the wrong thing to do. In the end, Barnabas took John Mark and they went one way. Paul took Silas and they went another way – both groups firmly committed to expand God’s work.

I disagreed with a fellow co-worker over a minor issue. We just had a different way to doing our work. I realized that the matter was insignificant and that my pride had prevented me from giving in to my co-worker’s suggestions. In the end, in order that God’s work would not be affected, I apologized and accepted the co-worker’s suggestions. The matter was resolved quickly and the work went well.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us to always set aside our differences with our fellow co-workers so that your work through us will not be affected. Please help us to be practice humility, diligence and a willingness to listen with those we work with. We pray this in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What kind of disagreements have you faced in working with others? Share.
  2. How had the disagreements affected the outcome of your work together? Share.
  3. How have this devotion helped you to change your attitudes and working habits when you have to work with others who are different from you?