Flaws and All

Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:11

On the first missionary journey with Paul, Barnabas brought along a young inexperienced young man named John Mark. At some point in their journey, Mark decided to return home. He quit. He ran. When the going got tough, Mark went.

Considering the daily trials that they faced, we should be careful not to judge the young man too harshly; however, due to Mark's departure, Paul refused to take Mark along on a later mission and as a result he and Barnabas had sharp disagreement, parted company, and Silas (Silvanus) replaced Barnabas as Paul's primary traveling companion

Whether Paul softened over the years or Mark matured (or most likely both), at the end of his life Paul desired Mark's presence for he was "useful to him." Some have suggested that this letter may have even marked the moment of their reconciliation. Paul had come to understand Mark's gifts and value and Mark had grown in his ability to serve in Christ's Kingdom enterprise.

Fact is, we need each other, flaws and all, to faithfully continue in God's service.

I will go down, if you will hold the ropes. - William Carey