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So, thank you for the gifts – like the little girl who drew a picture of me for my birthday (which is the best likeness I've ever seen of myself), and someone who sent me a unique coin with Rush Limbaugh's picture on it. I don't know if you can see these things, but they are special to me. The arrowheads, stamps, a custom-made knife, paintings, and even people who have been putting ghivin15.com on their billboards – thank you all. I want you to know how much it means to me and how special it is to know that this is ministering to so many people, even from other nations.
Now, let's move on to our post today. Welcome to Give Him 15. Thank you for joining me for day 15 of this pursuit of God, which we are calling "The Pleasure of His Company." We're using the book by the same title, and today, we're on chapter15, day 15, titled "The Friendship." I called myself a Christian for 17 years before I discovered I could have a truly personal relationship with God. Prior to this, I certainly knew God as God and knew Him as my Savior. However, I didn't really know Him as my Father, and walking with Him as a friend wasn't even in my field of view.
Satan and his team, with lots of help from religion, have painted God as a very distant, non-relational being. If thought of at all, our Creator is primarily considered the judge or, in times of crisis, a possible but unlikely means of help. Our adversary is nothing if not a very skilled deceiver. The thought of friendship with God is more than just intriguing to me; it messes with me, tugs at my heart, and calls out to me like the innate homing of a sea turtle experiencing the invisible but irresistible pull to the place of its birth. It woos me.
Somehow, I know in the deepest part of my nature that it is my destination, my home. His desire for friendship was the place in His heart where we were conceived. Our quest and destiny should be to find it again.
A few years ago, I was elk hunting in the mountains of Colorado when I saw a monument to friendship. High on a mountain near the edge, where one of the most majestic views imaginable could be seen, was a plaque attached to a rock. Tears came to my eyes as I read the words carved into the plaque: "In memory of my friend and hunting partner [gave his name], with whom I roamed these mountains from 1963 to 2003. 40 years, he loved these mountains, streams, snow-packed peaks, beautiful valleys. I miss him." And then the plaque gave his deceased friend's name again and the years 1930 to 2003. It may sound overly dramatic, but I removed my hat and stood in silence, saluting the friendship enjoyed by these men. I tried to imagine the joys and memories created, as well as the pain of the loss the old surviving warrior must have felt as he climbed this hill, memorial in hand, to honor the memory of a true friend. One can only imagine the hours they shared together. The only way to truly understand the camaraderie that develops when friends share the wonder and awe of creation together is to experience it. I thought of this as I stood looking over the vastness of the Rocky Mountains. Then, I thought about how much greater is the awesomeness of sharing moments such as these with the Creator Himself.
Friendship implies closeness that takes time to develop. It is comprised of trust, compatibility, affection, and, of course, a high level of interpersonal knowledge. I have many acquaintances but very few people I call my friends. The few I classify as such are those I enjoy spending time with, sharing life's experiences together. We're vulnerable with one another, freely communicating our hopes and dreams. I celebrate my victories with them and am comforted by them when I'm hurting, and vice versa. We keep it real. My walls are down when we're together. I'm unguarded and transparent, unafraid to let them see the real me, the unpolished version. I know they'll always be there for me, and I for them. Many more defining characteristics of friendship could be stated, but this much is clear: friendship defines the highest level of relationship, even higher than family.
I'm sometimes amused when I hear the average Christian reference God as his or her friend. There was a popular chorus a few years back about being God's friend. I liked the song, but as I listened to crowds singing it, I couldn't help but think how untrue it was for most of them. I suppose it's good to sing it as a reminder of God's offer to us, just as my parents used to sing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." These songs may be a reality for those who wrote them, but for the average person singing them, they simply aren't true. Most Christians have no true intimacy with God, spend very little time with Him, and have a very limited knowledge of His heart and ways. A casual acquaintance would best define their relationship with Him. We mustn't cheapen friendship by lowering the standard.
The Bible refers to several people as friends of God. Abraham was called a friend of God because of his faith and obedience. Moses, too, was known to speak with God as a friend, and David was a man after God's own heart. Jesus called His disciples friends because He shared His deepest thoughts and teachings with them. These examples show us that friendship with God is possible, but it requires time, commitment, and a genuine desire to know Him more intimately.
To truly be a friend of God, we must seek to know Him and be in His presence consistently. We should strive to learn more about His character, His desires, and His purposes for our lives. We should also seek to live in accordance with His will, honoring Him through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Prayer and the study of God's Word are essential aspects of developing a close relationship with God. Prayer allows us to communicate with Him, sharing our thoughts, feelings, and desires, as well as listening for His guidance and direction. The study of the Bible helps us understand His character, His promises, and His expectations for us as His children.
Additionally, fellowship with other believers can help us grow in our relationship with God. By sharing our experiences, insights, and testimonies, we can encourage and support one another in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with our Creator.
In conclusion, being a friend of God is not something we should take lightly or claim casually. It requires commitment, effort, and a genuine desire to know and be known by our Creator. As we dedicate ourselves to pursuing a deeper relationship with God, we can experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from true friendship with the One who created us and loves us unconditionally.
As we continue on our journey to become friends of God, it's essential to remember that this process is ongoing and requires patience and perseverance. Spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God won't happen overnight, but through consistent effort and commitment, we can make progress.
One way to foster a closer relationship with God is to practice gratitude. Recognizing and giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives helps us maintain a sense of awe and reverence for our Creator. This attitude of gratitude can serve as a foundation for our relationship with God and encourage us to seek Him more fervently.
Another important aspect of deepening our friendship with God is learning to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. Life is full of challenges, and at times, we may find ourselves struggling to understand why certain things are happening. However, trusting that God is in control and has a purpose for every circumstance can help us grow closer to Him, even during difficult times.
We should also strive to be more like Jesus in our daily lives, embodying His love, compassion, and humility. As we follow Christ's example and treat others with kindness and understanding, we can grow in our relationship with God and better reflect His character to those around us.
Finally, it's essential to be willing to share our faith with others. As we talk about our experiences, struggles, and victories in our walk with God, we can inspire and encourage others in their spiritual journeys. Sharing our faith not only strengthens our own relationship with God but also helps to build a community of believers who can support and uplift one another.
In summary, becoming a friend of God is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, effort, and a sincere desire to grow closer
to Him. By practicing gratitude, trusting in God's sovereignty, following Jesus' example, and sharing our faith with others, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from true friendship with our Creator.
It's essential to invest time in prayer and Bible study, as these practices allow us to communicate with God and understand His will for our lives. Through prayer, we can share our thoughts, concerns, and praises with God, creating an open and honest dialogue that fosters intimacy in our relationship with Him. Studying the Bible helps us grow in our knowledge of God's character, promises, and guidance, providing a solid foundation for our friendship with Him.
Additionally, participating in a community of believers through a local church or small group can be invaluable in our pursuit of a deeper friendship with God. These communities provide opportunities for fellowship, learning, and encouragement as we journey together towards a closer relationship with our Creator.
In our quest to become friends with God, we should also be open to the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts and minds, revealing truths and helping us grow in our understanding of God and His ways. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, we can experience transformation and growth in our friendship with God.
Remember, the journey to become a friend of God is a lifelong process that will have its challenges and victories. By staying committed to growing closer to God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, we can experience the incredible blessing of a deep and meaningful friendship with our Creator.
