Sunday, March 24, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

Take Me UP, Please

 

Luke 6:12-16 "..... Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and He spent the night praying to God. The next morning, Jesus called His followers to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He named apostles."

  

 

My Pastor often says that friends are like elevators --they will either bring you up or down. This statement has been especially important to me on a personal level as well as in my role as a parent. I believe that a huge component of parenting is making certain that your children are associating with individuals who are positive influences--individuals who are bringing them UP not DOWN!

 

Today's scripture describes what Jesus did before He selected His apostles-- He went off alone and spent the night praying to God. I believe that we should all follow Jesus' example when selecting our own friends as well as when guiding our children in their friendships. We should ask God to help us choose individuals that are loyal, positive, trustworthy and supportive.

 

However, it is important to note that friends are human and that they may make mistakes that could lead to much pain. Think about how Jesus must have felt when betrayed by Judas, when denied by Peter, when doubted by Thomas.

 

Based on the exorbitant amount of time that Jesus poured into the lives of these men, it would be logical to think that He should have received their unwavering loyalty. Proverbs 20:6 tells us that "Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" This scripture reminds me that we will all fall short at certain times--we will all mess up on occasion!

 

The important thing to remember when our friends let us down is that we should make every effort to continue showing them love. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 sheds light on the importance of friendship: "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."

 

I challenge you today to make every effort to emulate Jesus in nurturing your relationships. He spent time with His disciples, He led them to a closer relationship with God, He equipped them to share the Gospel with others, and most importantly, He loved them no matter what!

 

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I was not the greatest friend and help me forgive those who have let me down in the past. My desire is to always be a friend that will stick closer than a brother!

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.