GOING BACK AND CHECKING IN

Acts 15:36

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."

Most people who might have had Paul's experiences with evangelism probably would have wanted to stay in the preaching and teaching comfort of Antioch. But not so Paul. Despite the fact that Paul's life had been threatened on more than one occasion; and he had been beaten, stoned, and left for dead, Paul was ready for more. We don't know how long it took, but what we do know from our passage today -- Paul was now prepared to go back.

I don't think Paul thought for a moment that this next missionary trip was going to be any easier than the first, so why did he want to go back? The answer lies in the last phase of our passage today: he wanted to "see how they [were] doing." It was the interest of a shepherd in the well-being of his flock that once again led Paul to place himself in harms way. Now that's real love -- the willingness to place your life at risk to plant, nurture, and grow the faith of others.

One of the women in our church was a missionary during the Cold War. I marveled at her bravery after hearing her recount several harrowing and life threatening adventures in the Lord's service. She told me she was nothing more than a coward, constantly fearing for her life but the Lord made her strong. I asked her a really big question: "Why did you serve in such a dangerous area?" (After all there are countless missionary opportunities where bullets and bombs are not constant companions.) Her answer reminded me of Paul when she said, "We planted some seeds of faith, and I wanted to see them grow." I pray God might give me a measure of that kind of love.

When was the last time you checked in on the seeds of faith you planted? How are they doing? Do they need some attention? Many times it is the first person who brought us to Christ that becomes our most influential memory. Who planted the first seed in you? Wouldn't it be meaningful to let that person know how much that seed has grown and how much fruit is being produced? Be an encourager -- make a call today -- Go back and check in!

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