https://odb.org/2024/09/26/what-a-friend-2
Recently, we met up with two families and a pastor, friends whom we knew since our university days. That was more than 30 years ago, and although we seldom meet face to face, we have kept in touch all these years. There was, however, one major difference with our other childhood friends – we were serving God then, and we are still serving God today. In fact, in those 30+ years, nearly 18 of those years were spent serving God together, first at the varsity work of our previous church, and later, we established a small independent church with others. This is an example of friendships forged in Christ while serving God in ministry – friendships that lasted for many years. Our children also get along very well since they grew up together in Sunday school during their early formative years, and they are all youths and young adults now.
As much as Jesus is our one true friend who laid down His life for us to die for our sins, we need friends in Christ. Yes, we are spirit beings clothe in our earthen vessels. We are still flesh and blood. We therefore need to interact with others in the natural. Others who face the daily struggles of life like us, whose lives inspire and encourage us to preserve on in Christ. We could also be the inspiration for others. What does it mean to live a balanced Christian life in the midst of the world with its temptations and worldly attractions? How we may earn a living while still actively serving God in our own ways?
Cultivate friendships in Christ. Such friendships will last a lifetime. The best way is still to serve God together in church or in missions or doing voluntary work in society. As we serve God, we grow in our maturity in Christ and, most importantly, in our character as children of God. We are, after all, called to be the salt and light to the world, to reflect the glory of God in our midst!
Ronnie's Thoughts 