The goal of every Christian should be to become a friend of God. A friend is defined as,” a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.” Striving to find that bond with Christ does not come easy or quickly. It is a relationship that develops over time.
The moment of salvation begins the beautiful journey with the Lord. Coming to the knowledge of a lost condition through the Spirit we can then see our great need to believe in Christ for the salvation of our soul. Once the security has been settled in our heart we start to grow in our relationship. 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
Babies need milk and foods that they can easily digest to help them develop just as young Christians need simple truths of God’s word to strengthen their faith.
From infancy we start to grow. Just as we experience physical growth we must continue to expand spiritually. Milk is good for a while but soon we need more to sustain us. We build our relationship with Christ and are no longer babes but become true servants of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:20, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
This time of advancement is critical, and it is vital we continue to study God’s word and daily communicate to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.
From a servant we can then become a true friend of Jesus. A friend has intimacy that a servant or baby cannot understand. This title is for those who have reached a commitment to the Lord.
John 15:12-15, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
How wonderful to be identified as a friend of Jesus. Let it be your goal to become a friend of His. The desire is His but meeting the requirements fall on our commitment to Him. Do you love Him enough to strive toward friendship?