Day 6 | What it Means to be a Friend of Jesus Christ – "Who I Am In Christ" Firm Foundation 21-Day Devotional
Some of our fondest memories in life are connected to our friends. We also had the experience of being helped and encouraged in a way that only a friend could provide.
In a time when people can have thousands of Facebook "friends," those same persons know their true friends likely number less than 10. You go into a car dealership and the salesman approaches you and says, "Hello friend!" I don't recall a time when the word friend was used as loosely as it is today. It is less a term of endearment and more a term of anticipated benefit from others.
Jesus elevated the word and reality of friendship to a divine level. The disciples likely viewed themselves as only servants and followers of Christ, functioning at a low level. They lived in a culture in which society was deeply entrenched in social and religious classes. Jesus elevated and dignified the disciples by calling them "friends."
If I lived a lifestyle that required maids and butlers in our house, whenever we had family business they would not be invited. Employees and servants serve their important purpose, but they are not members of the family. Jesus made a statement of purpose that none of us should ever forget---we are connected to Christ in a way that elevates us without diminishing Him. We are family and friends with Christ—and He is still our Lord and Savior.
The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:17, "But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit..."
Living in Christ is far more than a religious experience or ritualistic mindset. As with our friends and spouses, our Union with Christ is mystical (beyond human senses) and spiritually empowered.
Being a friend of Jesus Christ is something you should think about regularly. Those thoughts will give you a strong sense of identity and security.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you relate to Jesus as your friend?
2. How will your thinking change in relation to your friendship with Christ?
3. What types of responsibilities do you have with friends, and with Christ as your friend?
Action Items:
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2. How will your thinking change in relation to your friendship with Christ?
3. What types of responsibilities do you have with friends, and with Christ as your friend?
Action Items:
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