I was thumbing through the UPC women's magazine, Reflections, when I came across a quote that led me off on a tangent. The theme for the magazine was ''Sister's Keeper'' and the articles and devotions are all aligned with friendship. This particular writer reminded readers that the best time to make a friend is before you have a problem.
Can you imagine not keeping in contact with an individual for many years, and contacting them when you needed them? Or not knowing your neighbor's name, but asking them to borrow a cup of sugar or their lawn mower? It seems kind of ridiculous. However, a very close friend may lend you that $100, baby-sit your children, or allow you to borrow their car when yours is in the shop. When you're overwhelmed or misunderstood, that same close friend is willing to lend a shoulder or ear.
While earthly friends are priceless, I couldn't help applying this same frame of thought with my relationship with Jesus. I am guilty of using Jesus like a Bounty paper towel; using Him as a quicker picker upper, and then quickly disposing of Him. Yes, He is a healer. Yes, He is a counselor. Yes, He is the ultimate financial bailout. But Jesus is much more than a friend when you're in trouble. He is a multifaceted God that genuinely cares about every aspect of my life, and yet I do not sit by His side long enough to know who He truly is.
I know God is in no way human, but I wonder if He ever smirks when someone dials His number asking for a blessing and they haven’t spoken to Him in 3 months. Does He ever have to stop and wonder, ''Who?! Ohhhh, I remember you! I gave you that great job, but haven't heard from you since!''
I want to seek God while I am young enough to do so. I am not alluding to the idea that seeking God at an older age is a joke and not a good idea. Since I was blessed to know the truth at such a young age, I should remember that I have the ability to serve and love the one true, living God and waiting until I'm 40, 60, or 80 years old to really have a relationship with Him is not a good idea.
The best time to start a relationship with Jesus is before you need Him.
Can you imagine not keeping in contact with an individual for many years, and contacting them when you needed them? Or not knowing your neighbor's name, but asking them to borrow a cup of sugar or their lawn mower? It seems kind of ridiculous. However, a very close friend may lend you that $100, baby-sit your children, or allow you to borrow their car when yours is in the shop. When you're overwhelmed or misunderstood, that same close friend is willing to lend a shoulder or ear.
While earthly friends are priceless, I couldn't help applying this same frame of thought with my relationship with Jesus. I am guilty of using Jesus like a Bounty paper towel; using Him as a quicker picker upper, and then quickly disposing of Him. Yes, He is a healer. Yes, He is a counselor. Yes, He is the ultimate financial bailout. But Jesus is much more than a friend when you're in trouble. He is a multifaceted God that genuinely cares about every aspect of my life, and yet I do not sit by His side long enough to know who He truly is.
I know God is in no way human, but I wonder if He ever smirks when someone dials His number asking for a blessing and they haven’t spoken to Him in 3 months. Does He ever have to stop and wonder, ''Who?! Ohhhh, I remember you! I gave you that great job, but haven't heard from you since!''
I want to seek God while I am young enough to do so. I am not alluding to the idea that seeking God at an older age is a joke and not a good idea. Since I was blessed to know the truth at such a young age, I should remember that I have the ability to serve and love the one true, living God and waiting until I'm 40, 60, or 80 years old to really have a relationship with Him is not a good idea.
The best time to start a relationship with Jesus is before you need Him.
13 comments:
Unfortunately, Chandra, I am "guilty of using Jesus like Bounty paper towel" as well. Unfortunately, it is a too common phenomenon amongst Christians in general.
Love your blog. This post made me think, and I love blogs that make me do that.
We don't know each other, Chandra, but we know the same ONE God. God bless you.
Hi, Darla. Thanks for your comment. I'm trying to hold myself accountable for my actions, and know that a complacent attitude only hurts ME. I can't speak for everyone else, but I am thankful for the moments that I am able to see things from a different perspective.
Chandra: I'm sorry if what I said seemed to be pointing a finger at "others". I've heard a lot of preaching lately about the general neglect of Christians in their consecration to God, which prompted my statement. I in no wise excuse myself from this "phenomenon" and apologize if I came across as judgemental.
Darla, no way! I didn't take your comment in the wrong context at all. I knew what you were saying and I understand what you're saying. Don't worry about being offensive. Once again the internet makes it harder for us to understand what we are saying. :o)
Amen to everything said. LOL
Love this Chandra. It is so true and something that every Child of God needs a reminder of now and again.
If you ever weary of Social Work, you are an excellent writer. :)
Anna
Outstanding post. Enjoyed it so much.
Excellent Post Chandra! It is readings like this that I love to feast upon. Real Food For Thought. :) I know that I am guilty of having a complacent attitude at times in my walk with Him as well. After all He has done for me how can I ever let that happen and yet it does. Shame on me!!! "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts" Psalm 139:23. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10
This is really good!!! It's good to realize that God loves and cares about us always, but when we draw close to him on a daily basis, I think He trusts us more and blesses us more.
Besides, friendship is always a two-way thing, and it's also about "what can I do today for my friend? How can I express to them that I love and appreciate them?"
Thanks for the great reminder! Love and appreciate you! ;D
Words to live by, Chandra! We'd all benefit if we spent a little time to "think on these things".
"The best time to start a relationship with Jesus is before you need Him." -- I love that, Chandra. Couldn't have put it better myself. :o)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
hahahaha! Back at ya! =D Hope it's great!!!!!!!!!!!
what would life be without true friends?! very lonely, for sure!
Post a Comment