Friend-ish By Kelly NeedhamSample

As Christians, we can handle the ebb and flow of relationships, because the future is bright for friendship. One day, we’ll find ourselves in a great multitude that no one can number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, our friends by our sides, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in our hands, and crying out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9–10).

One day, God will dwell with us, and we will be his people and he will be our God. And he will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more. And Jesus will say, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:1–5). This world, as it is, is not our home. It is not all there is. We do not need to act like the culture, trying to soak up all the joy we can right now before it’s gone. We have the promise of new life together with everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. The future of our friendship is secure; we can rest in that. So let’s live for something bigger than the expansion of our own social empire. Let’s live for God and his kingdom. . . . Because, when our friendships find their purpose in something bigger than ourselves, they will shine with the rare brilliance God intended all along.

When we unite together, not for the worldly purpose of satisfying our own desires for friendship but with the eternal purpose of fighting side by side to see God’s kingdom come on earth, we too will see the beauty and ultimate satisfaction of coming together as true comrades. With Christ at the center, our friendships will shine so brightly that all other versions will be but a flickering candle in the light of the sun. Let’s stop indulging in the counterfeits of the world and instead live for our King and his kingdom. Together.

--For more information on this topic, check out the book by Kelly Needham, Friend-ish