Friends

Introduction

Building Friendships is like building a building. To last you have to build it right and build on a firm foundation. It takes longer, costs more, but gives lasting benefits for the long-haul. "Nothing good comes easy" is a term I have found true with friendships. The investment of time, emotion, sacrifice and even money is essential in lasting friendships. I am very fond of the definition of a friend that says, "A friend is someone who knows you for who you really are and loves you anyway." That certainly fits Jesus' relationship to us. And He has allowed a few special individuals to qualify for that very special relationship called : FRIEND!

Blessings to you and your friend(s)!

Rick

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Choose Your Friends Carefully

"Your friendships can either draw you toward Christ or away from Him."
By: Steve Keels with Dan Vorm

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, and yet your closest friends are
not, it's very likely that your spiritual growth will be hindered, if
not stymied altogether. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we're told that "bad
company corrupts good morals." That makes sense when you consider that
unbelievers

* often don't share your moral convictions,

* don't have the ability to relate to you on a spiritual level, and

* can't really understand the most important thing in your life, which
is Christ. ...

It is absolutely crucial that you pursue making friends with people who
are actively following Christ.

Beware of "Back-Row" Christians

What about friends who say they love Christ, yet their actions are just
the opposite? Isn't it possible that a person can be a Christian but
just not live it out very well? It is possible, and unfortunately, it
happens all the time. Beware of a friendship that doesn't easily center
on Christ. ...

How to Be Godly Friend

Perhaps the best way to find godly friends is to work hard at being a
godly friend yourself. Here are some ideas for how to sustain
friendships that are pleasing to the Lord.

* Genuinely enjoy talking about Christ with other people. Learn how to
bring Him up in natural conversation while talking with others.

* Allow your Christian friends to correct you if, and when, you step
out-of-bounds in your Christian walk. Work hard at not being defensive.

* Don't be easily swayed back to your old lifestyle. It will stunt
your growth in the Lord and disappoint those who are close to you.

* Be fun to be around. Laugh, have a great time, and develop your
sense of humor and the natural abilities and talents God has given you.

* Encourage your friends in the areas where they do well.

* Be active in your prayer with, and for, each other.

* Seek out environments together where you can grow spiritually. Let
godly places and activities be the hub of your social life and your
relationships.

Don't let wrong friendships hinder your new life in Christ. Choose your
closest friends carefully. Make sure they are leading you toward Jesus
Christ, not away from Him.

Excerpted by permission from TruthQuest Survival Guide: The Quest

by Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tenn., www.lifeway.com,

1-800-448-8032.

Steve Keels is the general editor of the TruthQuest Bible and a pastor

of student ministries. He has worked with young people at Good Shepherd

Community Church in Oregon since 1978. His current ministry includes a

combined weekly attendance of 700 students. Dan Vorm graduated from

Moody Bible Institute in 1985 and Western Seminary in 1987. Having

served as a missionary to Greece for a number of years, he is currently

pastor of local outreach at Good Shepherd Community Church.

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