Most days I just share what’s going on in my head or heart and how God has moved in my life, but today I want to challenge you and ask you a direct question.
Are you truly friends with Jesus?
Notice I didn’t ask if you were a Christian. That word gets thrown around more than what is appropriate and is often unaccompanied by any relationship with Christ. I am not asking if you grew up in church, attend a church, are a member of a church, or have read the Bible. I am not asking about your good deeds or your behavior.
I am asking, are you friends with Jesus?
If you are unsure, allow me to explain what I think constitutes friendship. It includes conversation and time spent together. It means getting to know one another, giving gifts when appropriate, helping each other out when necessary, and being proud of each other in private and public. It means looking for each other’s strengths and recognizing them, sharing meals, and getting to know some of the other people they love.
That’s the kind of friend I want to be and that’s the kind of friend I want. So, I will ask you again, are you friends with Jesus? I don’t want to condemn I just want to shine some light! Some of us don’t know how to be a good friend or were never taught that this friendship was possible with Jesus. We rely on the years we attended church or the vast difference between the Savior of the World and us, the tiny humans He created. We think, “Surely, friendship with the One who raised Himself from the dead looks distant and one-sided.”
Trust me, there’s a real, deep, relationship where both Jesus and the tiny humans get something out of it, and it’s offered to everyone. He actually wants to be our friend (brain explosion emoji). He wants to hang out, share secrets, give us gifts, and be there for our meals, birthday celebrations, job interviews, and tears. He wants to ask us for favors.
Maybe you used to be good friends with Jesus but over time you stopped hanging out as much. You stopped calling because you had a disagreement, or you didn’t like His opinion on something. Maybe He didn’t help you when you were in trouble the way you desperately wanted help. Perhaps you just got so busy there wasn’t as much time for Him. I have been there.
Here’s the good news. If you want a relationship with Jesus, you can have one. He never says no! It’s always a yes. He will welcome you and build trust and a history with you. He will be with you every moment, make no mistake.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
Yes, you will have to do what you are told. Why? Because He always knows best. Yes, you will have to read your Bible to learn about Him and His story with humanity, you will have to speak to Him in prayer, and you will have to worship Him. You will have to get to know His other friends at church and love your enemies, but you can do it because He will be the powerhouse of your friendship and your life from the beginning of your friendship and throughout eternity.
So take an assessment of your relationship with Jesus today. Where do you stand? Are you friends with Jesus? Do you want to be?
You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:14 NLT