Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs Evil
Chapter 17: I Am, My Best Friend
As you look at all your relationships, who is your best friend? Without hesitation, who can you depend on? Who knows you best, your deepest thoughts, fears and concerns? Many followers of Christ will quickly answer with the name of Jesus. But in most cases, it’s more of a cliche. It’s an intellectual response, not heartfelt and truthful. The truth is, not many people can honestly answer with the name of Jesus. Regardless of how we answer, in John 15:13–15 (NLT), Jesus declares we are His friends by saying, “There is no greater love than 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 slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”
Thanks to God for making His Word available, we know everything the Father told Jesus, which is everything Jesus told the disciples. We are included in this friendship if we do what He commands. When Jesus told the disciples there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends, He was telling them, He will die on the cross for them. He is telling us the same. Do you believe this Truth, God was willing to die for you? Do you believe God considers you His friend? Don’t you want to be a part of this friendship? Then you must be willing to make the effort to embrace His friendship. He’s done His part, are you doing yours? To reject and deny God is to reject His love, depriving ourselves of a friendship like no other.
Author’s comments: Who is the last person you spend time with before going to sleep? Besides God, who knows you deep within the recesses of your mind and heart? Who knows how you really feel about everything? When you look back on your life, how have you treated yourself? How have you done with the choices you’ve made and the paths you’ve taken? Have you taken good care of yourself? Have you acted in your own best interest? Even if you have a best friend in God, you must also be your own best friend. Stop blaming everyone else for your shortcomings. Stop waiting on everyone else to motivate you. Motivate yourself. Take more of an interest in improving yourself. God will help you become the person He created you to be. If you need help, reach out. I’d love to be a part of your spiritual growth.
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