Thirty Second Friendship
What does a friendship look like to you? I asked this question on facebook so it's only fair that I share what it is to me.
A friendship to me is when someone is there for me, they take the time to hear me and remember what I've said. They are funny and make me laugh. They let me cry on their sholder. They challenge me in love and encourage me to go further than I thought I could go. A friend makes me a better me. A friend will love me more than the friendship. They will tell me what I need to hear even if it could possibly destroy the friendship. Foundationally my friends are working on being who they are suppose to be in Christ. Quoting Pastor Dave Wood, "You will only ever have a handful of close friends your whole life." I am blessed with an amazing family and extended family and amazing close friends. I love them and cherish them deeply.
There are all kinds of people in this world. Lately I've come across a various atheists. Believe it or not there is a group starting for atheists who don't believe in religion. (think about that for a second :) They are choosing not to have a friendship with God. Ok so why? And why is our friendship with God not attractive to others?
Well I'm going to start by looking at Two Things that Are Attractive about a relationship with God.
1 Authentic Friendships
Lets look at what the Bible says about friendship.
From www.biblegateway.com
Proverbs 12:26
"A righteous man is cautious in friendship,.."
James 4:4
"...don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?"
So what are athiests and others seeing or not seeing in our lives that is unattractive?
Think about this sinerio. How long would you keep a friend who only communicates to you through a third party or only talks to you only when they need something? How would you feel when a friend doesn't want to hear you they only want to hear what someone else thinks about what you said?
There are a number of people in the world that only have the above described relationship with God. They "acknowledge God with their mouth and walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle"(DC Talk). This is not an authentic relationship with God. It's not attractive. Our words and lifestyle could cause someone to become an atheist. What?!
Matthew 5:16b
"... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Get the light and let your light shine. We are not perfect. We are flawed human beings hopefully attempting to represent the perfect Creator. Thank you Lord for your grace.
2. Spirit Filled or Baptized in the Spirit
Cal Bombay spoke at our church yesterday. I've seen him on 100 Huntley Street before and met him at Missions Fest Vancouver but never really got to hear him speak. Wow. What a treat. As he made reference to, you either loved what he shared or hated it. Here are some words I wrote down to describe him. Straight up, real, fun, bold, filled, nice, everything rolled up into one. (Hopefully our church website will have his sermon available to listen to soon. www.weca.com) So what does this guy have that is so attractive? Why do I want to suddenly round up my family and go on a dangerous mission to Sudan and start a farm after hearing him speak? He is not only a great Christain man, he is spirit filled. That is attractive. If you are not spirit filled or continously filled I encourage you to do this exercise. Go to www.biblegateway.com and type in the search "filled spirit" and read the verses that come up. Being filled with the spirit brings a supernatural boldness, confidence, to witness and do miracles as Christ did. Have you healed someone today? :) I say that with a smile but also as a challenge. Also read Mark 16:15,18.
I want you to receive this.
In conclusion Two Things That Make you an attractive person to those around you.
1. Be an authentic friend. Be real in your love, life and friendships.
2. Seek to be Spirit filled or Baptised in the Spirit (You can be a Chrisitian and not Spirit filled) Be continuously filled.
Revelation 3:15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Be hot or cold from today on.
Cheering you on,
Alanne.
Hey Alanne. Miss you lots....wanted to catch up on your blog....you make me think lots! Well written devo on friendship! Thanks.
And btw, my link on your blog is wrong. If you wanna link people to me - send them here:
http://cathysbloggin.blogspot.com/
Love ya sis!
Posted by Cathy — 11 Oct 2007, 04:54