FRIEND OR TRIVIA? - by Calvin
What's the difference between a friend and trivia? Perhaps that's hard to tell these days. We live in a realm with blurry edges. The hyper-reality of media overtakes what is real around us creating friendships with the stars. Some of us know more about Britney Spears than we know about the girl next door. Now that's trivia, just in case you were wondering.
The friend theme popped up a number of times over the past week. I had coffee with a young friend who was reading a book about friends. Now, I have journeyed with Blake for several years and I can tell you that he is a man following after Jesus with all his heart. So he's reading this book about friends with interesting facts such as people with friends are more happy and healthy than people without friends. I am blessed to count Blake as a friend.
Then I had a conversation with Lisa. She's my best friend. A certain contemporary Christian song, "Friend of God," popped into our discussion. I happen to like the song, but Lisa asked if the hook line, "I am a friend of God, he calls me friend," might somehow drag friendship with God into the hyper-reality of trivial media. Think about what you're singing. Friendship with God is no trivial matter. Well, I got her point, but I still like to sing the song.
We say things like, "I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ," but then what exactly does that mean? I have a personal relationship with Lisa - she's my wife. And I have a personal relationship with Blake- he's my friend. When I talk with Lisa, or any of my friends, I try to concentrate on being present with them and listening to what they have to say. My wife and my friends are a big part of my reality. They are real matter, as opposed to digital media, and they really matter to me. That's human friendship and I am more happy and healthy because of it.
Now, friendship with God is like this. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." (Exodus 33:11 TNIV) How does that fit with your reality of God? Moses had a personal relationship. He talked with God face to face in the "tent of meeting" while all the people stood outside the entrance.
Then realize that we have advantages over Moses. We have seen the actual face of God in the face of Christ. The curtain that separated the Presence of God from all the people was torn from top to bottom so that we have direct access to God. And, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all the people, sons and daughters the same. God is more accessible than any other friend. So what kind of a friend are you?
Take time to meet with God and be in awe of his presence with you. He is real. The God of Glory wants an intimate friendship with you. This is an invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, you to be a friend of God?
Comments are always welcome.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
The friend theme popped up a number of times over the past week. I had coffee with a young friend who was reading a book about friends. Now, I have journeyed with Blake for several years and I can tell you that he is a man following after Jesus with all his heart. So he's reading this book about friends with interesting facts such as people with friends are more happy and healthy than people without friends. I am blessed to count Blake as a friend.
Then I had a conversation with Lisa. She's my best friend. A certain contemporary Christian song, "Friend of God," popped into our discussion. I happen to like the song, but Lisa asked if the hook line, "I am a friend of God, he calls me friend," might somehow drag friendship with God into the hyper-reality of trivial media. Think about what you're singing. Friendship with God is no trivial matter. Well, I got her point, but I still like to sing the song.
We say things like, "I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ," but then what exactly does that mean? I have a personal relationship with Lisa - she's my wife. And I have a personal relationship with Blake- he's my friend. When I talk with Lisa, or any of my friends, I try to concentrate on being present with them and listening to what they have to say. My wife and my friends are a big part of my reality. They are real matter, as opposed to digital media, and they really matter to me. That's human friendship and I am more happy and healthy because of it.
Now, friendship with God is like this. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." (Exodus 33:11 TNIV) How does that fit with your reality of God? Moses had a personal relationship. He talked with God face to face in the "tent of meeting" while all the people stood outside the entrance.
Then realize that we have advantages over Moses. We have seen the actual face of God in the face of Christ. The curtain that separated the Presence of God from all the people was torn from top to bottom so that we have direct access to God. And, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all the people, sons and daughters the same. God is more accessible than any other friend. So what kind of a friend are you?
Take time to meet with God and be in awe of his presence with you. He is real. The God of Glory wants an intimate friendship with you. This is an invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, you to be a friend of God?
Comments are always welcome.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
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