When we were still newlyweds, my wife’s best friend invited us over to spend the
evening with them. We had no idea that someone else was also invited, someone
who would explain to us the multi-level marketing opportunity of the century.
Unsure what to do, we thought, “Why not?” After all, we could stand to
supplement our meager salaries!
Unfortunately, neither of us are good at sales. We didn’t make any money, and
before long we left that multi-level marketing golden opportunity of the century
to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed.
And even more unfortunately, this brought an end to my wife’s friendship with
her best friend.
It would seem that friends aren’t always for life anymore.
The only true friendship that will stick with us no matter what, is our
friendship with our Heavenly Father. Who else could claim: “God’s love has been
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
(Rom 5:5b, NIV2)
I wonder why indifference is so prevalent in today’s society? And why has this
kind of lukewarmness also invaded the church?
“For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left
of their love but a mound of ashes.” (Matt 24:12 ,MSG)
We have become indifferent because wickedness has spread so fast that we find
ourselves in a position where we need to protect ourselves. We have to think of
our own security first! Swindlers are on the rise, thieves in disguise, trying
to rob us from anything we may have, no matter how small. Before we know it,
love disappears from our lives and we become indifferent, playing right into the
hand of the evil one.
What can be done?
“Staying with it—that's what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won't be
sorry, and you'll be saved.” (Matt 24:13 ,MSG)
If we “stay with it”, walking in the steps of Jesus Himself, we won’t be able to
stop ourselves from genuinely loving those who hurt, those who feel lost, those
who need help. “All during this time, the good news—the Message of the
kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every
country. And then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14 ,MSG)
Sadly, many don’t even believe in God’s Holy Spirit. They think He is a kind of
force and have no clue who He truly is. But for those who know Him, God’s love
is pertinent in our lives, for His love reigns in us as He lives in us. Wow!
What a gift God has bestowed on us, a gift that has sealed our friendship
forever!
“The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him
nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
(John 14:17 ,NIV2)
It’s time that we wake up from our stupor and see what truly matters in this
world. Real friendship does not depend on what we can get out of it. It’s about
unselfish love, a love that Jesus clearly portrayed when He willingly died on a
cross, so that we could experience eternity with Him. We don’t need to be
strangers with our Heavenly Father any longer. He has re-established our
communication with Him, and oh, what a friend He truly is! His Holy Spirit is a
gift of His love, as we never have to face anything alone any more. God is with
us and within us! Thank you Lord for loving us so much!
Afterword: Just after writing this devotional, my wife and I went to church.
After the service, I heard someone say, “Rob, is that really you?” As I turned,
I met a colleague who works not too far from me who does an outstanding job with
the Christian club at her local high school. Excited to see me, she quickly
introduced me to her husband, saying: “He is my friend!”
There is real friendship out there, friendship that goes beyond human norms. It
comes directly from our Forever Friend. We can’t help but be excited with such
friendship.
Thank you Lord for providing real friends who have our best interest at heart.
Bless each one of them, that they may fully know You intimately. In His love.
Amen!
The golden opportunity of all ages is, after all, discovering our Forever Friend
who resides in us. Wow!
Will you be my friend?
Rob Chaffart
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