“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4 NRS)
We all know that our friends impact our lives. We become like those with whom we associate. The wise man taught, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul” (Pro. 22:24-25 KJV). Our friends influence us in life-changing ways. Therefore, it is a truism that we should be careful about our choice of friends.
Some people — professing to be followers of Christ — like to walk a tightrope between God and the world. It as if they think it possible to be friends with both. Yet, according to Scripture, friendship with one creates enmity against the other.
In addition to our passage above, Scripture is fairly clear: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24 NAS). Friendship, with one or the other, will breed servanthood. We cannot love both. One will win out over the other.
It is possible to be God’s friend. “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23 KJV). Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14 KJV).
Yes, friendship is important! The right friend will make an eternal difference.
Dear Father, thank you for choosing to be our friend. Strengthen us in our desire to be your friend. This I pray in the name of Jesus, our friend and Savior and Lord. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your friendship with God,