When It’s Time To Leave

by Joe Works

Leave Peaceably

That may not happen but it needs to be your goal. No good will come from “letting people have it” as you’re walking out the door (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14).

Leave Hopeful

If people have treated you poorly maybe they will change. Pray sincerely for them. God changed you from your sinful past. He can change them. And maybe your leaving will actually be the catalyst for that. But only if you are encouraging good behavior with your example while exiting (Hebrews 6:9).

Leave with Good Memories

Why harbor bad feelings? What good will come from it? Things weren’t perfect when you were there, but surely you can remember people and events that were godly and uplifting. Pollyanna “looked for the good in people, and found it.” Be Pollyanna when you leave. (Philippians 4:8)

Leave with Words that Are Sweet and Not Sour

If your comments about the former group are all bad, eventually people will see you as the problem. This doesn’t mean we can’t offer warnings to others about what they might expect in going there, but be merciful (Matthew 5:7). Honestly, you were probably treated like you deserved, and maybe better. Be a better person for your time there (Colossians 4:6).

It seems to me these ideas can be applied to preachers, employees, neighbors, and children as they move on to their next place.

Barnabas was a son of encouragement. Be encouraging when leaving, and having left, be encouraged by the blessings God gave you there.