Jon is getting ready to take his first duty station in Korea, and I invited a few of my best friends to see him off. There were several people included—people who had guided him and faithfully prayed for him over the years. As we gathered for wonderful food and fellowship, it made my heart so happy to hear the older soldiers and airmen giving Jon both military advice, and spiritual advice. What a great treasure these friends and family are to my soul!
There was a time when I valued relationships for the sake of gaining position or possessions—but thankfully, God’s wisdom is penetrating my heart and now I know that the highest quality relationships are those with whom I possess a common foundation in Christ.
As I looked around the room, I realized that the varied backgrounds, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status added a richness to the atmosphere that would be starkly absent if everyone had been from the same social set. The deepest bond in the room was each person’s strong relationship with Christ.
There is nothing quite so delightful than a friend whose best friend is God.
That’s because in the presence of someone who delights in God, we experience the unity of the Trinity. Jesus prayed that His followers would live in UNITY—but not just, “hey, we’re-all-fishermen” kind of unity. We tend to be attracted to others who share the same sport, profession, passions, etc., but God wants us to have the SAME unity that He shares with His Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed:
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
John 17:20-23
Isn’t it remarkable to know—Christians can live in the same kind of unity as the Trinity!?!?!
And what is the purpose of this unity—according to Jesus in this passage?
~That the world may believe in God;
~That the world can see God’s glory through us;
~That we may be made perfect together; and,
~That the world may KNOW they are loved!
The best way to have true friends is to FIRST be a true friend to God.
God IS our best friend.
God GIVES us the best friends.
God MAKES us the best friend for others.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
