Recently, I went to a Beth Moore conference where I learned about John Mark (ironically who my father was named after). John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10)and when Barnabas and Paul left on their first mission journey he went with them (Acts 12:25). But not to long after the journey began, this young man jumped ship and headed to his comfortable home in Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).
John Mark had been given the opportunity to go on this amazing mission journey because of his relative was going on it. But when it got hard, he ended up quitting and heading home. Not too long after this. Paul and Barnabas were planning another missionary journey and Barnabas insisted on bring John Mark. Of course, this didn’t sit too well with Paul and the two split – John Mark went with Barnabas (Acts 15:37-51).
John Marks first opportunity to go on missions was given to him because of the faith of his cousin. John Mark was afforded an opportunity he had not earned. John Mark was riding on the Coattails of Barnabas’ faith.
But like everyone else, at some point, John Mark had to own his own faith. When he headed out with Paul the second time he owned his own faith. John Mark eventually became one of the most influential people in the early church. He was closely linked with Paul and Peter and he is the author of the Gospel of Mark.
John Mark had to take responsibility for his own faith instead of relying on someone else’s faith.
Similarly, throughout my life, I have been afforded opportunities to serve because of my father’s faith. Everything has not been handed to me, I have had to prove myself. But, I am expected to have a certain level of faith and of ability because my father has shown that. Certain things are expected of my because of my father’s position in the church. For the most part, I do not mind this.
But one thing I have learned while preparing to leave for the World Race is that being attached to the coattails of someone else’s faith sometimes forces you to have more faith than other people. At times, I have had to work harder for things because of this. I am held to certain standards because my father represents the church. At times, it is assumed I have the answers to biblical questions because I’m a Patton and my dad is the Youth guy. This means that I have to find someone to answer the questions I can’t and I learn a lot from that.
I don’t want to ride on the Coattails of my father’s faith. I want to own my own faith and be known for it. But because people assume a level of faith from me, my faith has been pushed and tested through these experiences.
Currently, with the World Race, I am being limited in certain fundraising things because my parents don’t want to distract from the vision of our church (and I completely understand this). So I am having to work a little harder and trust God a little more to provide a way for me to go on the World Race.
I want my own faith, but I at times my faith is pushed because of what is expected of me.
Everyone needs to step out and take responsibility for their own faith. Your faith belongs to you and it is your responsibility, so if you are riding on the coattails of someone else’s faith – take a step and own yours.
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