Can We Truly Be Called a Friend of God, our Father?
How many friends do you have? If you are typical, your friends range from casual acquaintances to those you would die for. Sometimes we are closer to our friends than our own brothers or sisters. True friends are those you want to spend time with. God created us for close relationships - with each other and with Him. Our friendship with God and Jesus should be the model for all our friendships, whether it be our spouses, family or anyone we are closely endeared to. Some friendships are fleeting and some are lasting. True friendships are glued together with bonds of loyalty, support, sympathy, trust, confidence, understanding, commitment. These attributes remain intact despite changing external circumstances. Close friends communicate often, reveal their secrets, are readily accessible, and trust completely. Our Father and Jesus are inviting you to the same true, close friendship with them, one whom They are well pleased with. What comfort to our souls!
In John 15:13-15, Jesus said, "You are my friends, if you follow my commands...No longer do I call you servants...but I have called you friends." Do you have a conscious awareness of being friends with Jesus, "on this earthly walk, as it is in Heaven"; the one who "laid down his life" for us, His friends? I would implore you to engage (communicate) through regular "fireside chats" with Jesus throughout your daily flow of activities, making His responses an exciting part of your life. Friendship does not bring our Father down to our level but it brings us up to His throne room.
Both Abraham and Moses are referred to as friends of God. We are his friends, too, if we truly seek Him and love Him. Does the Bible offer any guidelines for close, lasting relationships? Yes, Psalms 25:14 says, "Friendship with our Father is for those who Trust Him." Call upon Him, Believe in Him. Converse with Him.
Scriptures: Deut 33:27; Rom 1:6, Rom 8:1; James 2:23
Meditate: We all need a sense of belonging. When you feel you belong, you feel secure and accepted. Feeling accepted, through friendships, gives you confidence to share your deepest feelings without worry of rejection. And when you belong to our Father and Friend, and to His local church (like Suncreek UMC) acceptance is possible and with Him can never be taken away - it lasts for eternity!
