Not Flashy – but Faithful

It’s striking that Barnabas isn’t talked about the way others are in the Bible.

Think about it for a minute.

Paul carries a major portion of the New Testament narrative.
Timothy is known through mentorship and leadership development.
Peter has those powerful, front-row moments with Jesus Himself.

But what about Barnabas?

You don’t see many studies centered on him. He’s not the headline guy. And yet, if you pay attention, you see him everywhere—showing up, encouraging, strengthening others, and then stepping back once he’s done what God asked him to do.

And you know what… that’s more than okay.

Because in a world that constantly pushes platform, recognition, and visibility, Barnabas chose something different. He focused on people. He chose to build others up without needing to be seen himself.

That’s been sitting with me lately.

A few years ago, I had a conversation with Pastor Joby that I haven’t been able to shake. At one point I asked him a simple question: “What can I do to support you the most?”

His answer surprised me.

He said, “Encouragement.”

Here’s a man leading at a high level, impacting thousands, and what he needed most wasn’t strategy, connections, or resources—it was encouragement. He went on to share how rare genuine encouragement has become.

And he’s right.

There’s no shortage of surface-level praise or transactional encouragement—where people are really just positioning themselves for something in return. But sincere, consistent encouragement? That’s in short supply.

That conversation led me to make a decision.

I committed to being a Barnabas in his life.

Each week, I send him a simple note. Nothing polished or flashy. Just honest encouragement—sharing how something he said or did made an impact and reminding him that someone sees it, values it, and is standing behind him.

Not because I need anything from him. But because it matters.

And here’s why I’m sharing this with you.

There is someone in your life right now who is running on empty. Someone carrying more than you realize. Someone who could be one word, one message, one moment of encouragement away from being lifted out of a place you may never fully see.

So here’s the challenge.

Look at the last five people you’ve texted. Don’t overthink it—just pray and ask God to show you who needs encouragement the most right now.

Then act on it.

Send the message today. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

And if you want to take it a step further, commit to encouraging that person once a week for the next month. Step into that role intentionally. Become someone who is known for strengthening others, not just showing up when it’s convenient.

Because faithfulness rarely looks flashy.

But it always matters.

And you never know how one act of encouragement could change the direction of someone else’s life.

Heavenly goal: be a good man—full of the Holy Spirit and faith.