Out of Athens

It wasn't safe for him to go back, for the mobs wanted to take him out. After Preaching in Thessalonica, violent opposition erupted and Paul fled under the cover of night to Berea. The Jewish mobs followed, so his team helped move him again, all the way south to Athens where he could blend in to crowds and be safe for a while.

Athens being a large progressive city was a good place for Paul to take refuge. It wasn't however a place where his message landed well. The intellectual skepticism was a huge barrier. Culturally, they chased the thinking of the day and whatever intelligent sounding persona had the best following. Paul wasn’t verified or trending, so he had a hard time getting traction, even though he carried a life saving message.

Feeling alone, he desperately wanted to be with his peeps back in Thessalonica, but it would have been a suicide mission if he went. Instead, he sent Timothy, his lesser known protege to check in and get Paul an update. Then he rolled over to Corinth to set up shop and wait.

"We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through." (1 Thessalonians 2:2-3) 

Paul knew the value of fellowship. Of being together and serving together. He knew the powerful energy and encouragement that comes from getting in the trenches with the team and doing hard things. He didn't just know it, he needed it. And so do you and I.

One of the daily habits I engage in is a walk about (to steal a line from Crocodile Dundee... if born after 1980 you'll have to look that up). Basically, getting out of my office and just walking around seeing everyone a few times a day. Not because they need anything from me, but I need them. I need the camaraderie, the energy, the connection. I want everyone to know we are in this together and to see how people are doing. It's where I get my best information and where teamwork is strengthened. In the locker room.

When I get out and visit the branches across the country, it's even more encouraging and necessary. When I see the great teams, their momentum and how they care for each other, it lifts me up. We share ideas, talk strategy and I gather things to take back and share with others. We can't hide out in Athens and lead in Thessalonica at the same time. We also can't be everywhere at once and sometimes need to send Timothy, so connection stays present.

Think about that with your referral partners. How often are you going out into the field to see them? To break bread, see what troubles they are dealing with, offer them encouragement? They need it, and so do you. If you’re feeling slow or sluggish, go visit your people, bring them some energy and replenish yours at the same time.

What about your family. We all feel disconnected and alone at times. If you are able, go visit with them. If there's a mob waiting for you, at least find a way to check in and connect. The mission is too important not to.

We can't stand on the sidelines and lead from a position of isolation. We need to get in the locker room and work through it with others. If you need encouragement or haven’t done it in a while, get out of Athens and do a walk about.