What Nickname Would YOU Receive?

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37

A nickname is not something you give yourself. It is something that is earned. You may love it. You may hate it. You may tolerate it. But something you did or said, or something that was done to you or said about you – made sense. It stuck. And “it” became your nickname.

A man named Joseph was given the nickname Barnabas, which Luke translates for us, “Son of Encouragement.”

Now.

What do you think Joseph was doing that prompted the Apostles to stick him with that name? They gave him the name based off of his interaction with the local church. Whatever he could do, verbal or non-verbal, to keep Christ followers focused on the mission – he did. He constantly – by word and deed – encouraged the church to display the light of Christ.

What about you?

What nickname would the Apostles give you, based on your interaction with the local church? If the Apostle’s were forced to “stick” you with a nickname based on your words and actions toward the local church, what would they call you?

Why would they call you that?

Are you happy with that nickname?

What is one adjustment you might need to make regarding the local church and her mission?