Proverbs 18:24 in the NIV version reads, "A man of many companions (friends) may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Many people in your life may be acquaintances or "friends" in a general sort of way and this kind of "friend" or person will not necessarily be of any help to you. However, the Bible makes it clear that there is a kind of friendship that is greater or stronger. Jesus spoke of the love of a true friend when He said in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Jesus was expressing the truth that there is a friendship level where people lay down their own lives for the benefit of their friend. In the next verse Jesus spoke to His disciples saying, "You are my friends if you do what I command." Not only is there a difference in the level of friendship but also a measurement of how to qualify for this friendship.
One of the greatest men of the Bible is Abraham. We often speak of Abraham when talking about "faith". Galatians 3:9 states, "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." And while this is a great endorsement and compliment to Abraham I feel there is a greater word spoken of him that is an encouragement to us. In James 2, verse 23 it states, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God's friend."
This is NOT about God being friendly or a friend TO YOU! The question is are you a friend TO GOD? Jesus said His friends would do what He commanded. So obviously doing the will of God, being devoted to His purposes and plans and fervently seeking to please Him and honor Him take us into a level of relationship with God that is more than just knowing about Him or even knowing Him enough to inquire of Him or ask Him for help. This is about laying down our lives for the sake of His life. That's right, the life of God, His character and purpose is reflected and manifested in His Friends, not His acquaintances. This is about you caring more about God's reputation than your own or maybe maintaining a your good reputation so it reflects well on your friend. God calls and invites us to be His friend. Don't just seek the faith of Abraham but be a friend like Abraham.
