“I am a friend of God…oooh, I am a friend of God…He calls me friend!” I love this song and you can tell how much I love by how much I belt it out when it is sung at church or when I listen to it in my car.
Sometimes these words excite me – to consider the concept that the King of the Universe considers me a friend. But most times, the song convicts me – Am I truly “a friend of God?” What does this really mean?
1. Friendship requires a relationship of mutual trust. I may trust God, but can He trust me?
Can He trust me to obey Him in the simple things? Can He trust me to be humble even though my pride would be justified? Can I apologize, reach out, or be gentle even though I have “the right” to be mean?
If one friend trusts, but the other doesn’t then technically, the relationship is imbalanced. God seeks our trust, but also wants to be able to trust us with instructions and His plans for us.
2. Friendship requires an investment.
Exodus 33:11 states “ The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as man speaks to his friend.” Am I willing to make an honest investment in my relationship with God?
Speaking face to face indicates an investment of vulnerability. It requires a connection that is without pretense, without any concern of perception. A
Vulnerability leads to intimacy – which simply means a close friendship. Vulnerability with God means that I am honest with Him, I am not afraid to express my heart – which means all of my joys, my fears, my sorrows, my tears, and my concerns.
Lord, it is amazing that You desire a relationship with me that is not one-sided, but You desire all of me as You give me Your best. Help me to invest energy, effort and obedience into our friendship.
How would you assess your friendship with God? The same can apply to our friendship with others. What about your friendship with others?
