Abraham was called the friend of God. He earned this title through his faith. He believed God to be a good God and trusted His promises to be faithful and true. Because Abraham believed, it was accounted to him for righteousness. We can never claim to be righteous on our own merits. It is only the righteousness of God that can cover us and allows us to stand in righteousness.

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” James 2:23 (NIV)

Jesus enjoyed friendship with His 12 disciples. They traveled together, ate and slept beside each other, endured storms and dangers, and even celebrated good times at weddings and special banquets. Time deepened their bonds while they shared life experiences, engraving memories onto open hearts. The twelve got to know the mother of Jesus and His siblings. Connections were made. Friends become family when spiritually connected.

A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have. ~ D.L. Moody

We should also remember that Jesus called us His friends. We remain the friend of Christ if we do what He commanded and love one another. Turning from sin and following His example will keep us in fellowship with God.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:12-15 (NIV)

Oswald Chambers had great insight into the ways of God. He said that obedience to God’s will opened doors of intimacy. As we surrender our will to follow His, God reveals more truth about Himself. Friendship with God is a reward beyond measure.

Obey God in the things He shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. God will never reveal more truth about Himself until you have obeyed what you know already…this chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God. ~ Oswald Chambers

As we are sojourners in this world, we need to keep our eyes on our eternal home. We can’t get stuck in the mud puddles of riches and wander off the path while chasing enticing pleasures. Nope, we are just passing through, so our rewards and riches await us. However, we do have a purpose to fulfill while walk this earthly existence. We are commissioned to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We can’t be friends with this world and still be friends with God. Beware a pit that many people-pleasers fall into. One can’t have two sides and remain whole. Christians must make a stand for their beliefs and stand by them. To be a child of God means we will have enemies. Jesus offended many with His words and counted the cost. We must expect to suffer the same.

The good man has his enemies. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. If we were without enemies we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to God. ~ Charles Spurgeon

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4 (NIV)

Thankfully, Jesus is our friend and He intercedes on our behalf. He will give us the power and strength to face every daily challenge. He is our all and all. He is our friend… and Savior.

“My intercessor is my friend, as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man He pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” Job 16:20-21 (NIV)