Friendship With Our Fatherಮಾದರಿ

Day 7: His Friendship Is a Privilege

Being friends with God is one of the greatest privileges human beings can experience. 

• “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44 NIV).

God's friendship is similar to that hidden treasure; it is real, it exists, but it is on us to discover it and yearn for it. Once we discover it, we must do everything we can to maintain it, care for it, and enjoy it. Obedience, consistency in our time of prayer, faith, genuine worship, and keeping our hearts pure are just some of the examples of the different fruit manifested by the different biblical characters who were called friends of God. All these are considered fruit of honor to the Father. The Bible says: 

• “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” (Psalm 25:14 TLB)

Honoring our Father is the key to accessing His friendship. It is a privilege those who focus on honoring God, in all that they do, can enjoy. We honor God when we obey Him. We honor God with our time, with our treasure, and with our talent. We honor God with our testimony. We honor God when we are good administrators of what He has entrusted to us. We honor the Father when we do the right thing even when no one sees us. We honor God when we spend time in His presence.

One definition of honor is to consider something or someone precious, as having great value. The greatest gesture of honor made by a friend was Jesus dying for us. "No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends" (John 15:13 CJB). The reason Jesus died for us is because we are of great value. We are appreciated by Him, and He knew He was dying for His friends.

God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30), and friendship with God is a privilege available to all, but only those who honor the Father reach it.

Meditation 

• How do you honor God in your daily life?
• How can you increase the level of honor in your life?

Prayer 

Thank you, Father, for the great treasure of Your friendship. Show me how to honor you with all I am and to value You as my Father and Friend.