Benefits Of Being God's Friend
Perseverance, Perspective
Do we really gain nothing?
“He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men. For he has said, ‘A man gains nothing when he becomes God’s friend.’” – Job 34:8-9, CSB
Writing in my Bible
I wrote in the margin of my Bible this morning (‘this morning’ being November 9, 2023) next to Job 34:8-9, “This kind of thinking isn’t just wrong; it comes from the evil one.” It’s the evil one, our adversary, the devil, who tries to convince us that there is no value, no gain, in being a friend of God, no benefit to agreeing and partnering in God’s way of doing things. The truth is that in everything from business decisions to personal finances, from the way we treat and relate with people to the ways we invest our energy, time, talents, and any other imaginable resource we have, there is great gain in doing those things God’s way. There is great gain in being a friend of God!
What friendship with God does and doesn’t mean:
Becoming a friend of God means knowing and being known by Him, caring about His ways, His thoughts, His desires, and His instructions. It will not mean absolute perfection in us, and, like Jesus’ closest disciples, He can call us friends (John 15:15) even in our imperfections. (Somebody who just read that is breathing a deep sigh of relief right now!) Jesus’ disciples were still in process, and so are we.
Being a friend of God also does not mean everything goes easily for us, or that we never have devastation or grief in our lives. Being a friend of God does mean that failure is never final, and that our gains are guaranteed on a level of certainty and security that far exceeds the longest lifespan. The truth is that a person gains everything – everything that matters from an eternal perspective – when he or she becomes God’s friend!
Think:
Have you ever experienced significant doubt, wondering if there really is any gain in being a friend of God, or in doing things God’s way? When have those doubts tended to surface? Is it in times of success, or times of challenge or loss? Why do you suppose that is?
Read Ephesians 6:10-14. How would the devil like you to think regarding friendship with God? What scriptural truth can you wield when the devil’s scheme comes against you in this area?
Like Job’s friends, has anyone ever used Scripture to suggest that if you’re struggling with your health or your finances that you must have sin in your life? How about if your ministry or a particular relationship is struggling? How would you counter this discouragement? (Sometimes, there is sin in our lives that needs to be addressed. But God is faithful to reveal that clearly, not leave you wondering and digging for nebulous sin.)
Are you confident and secure in your relationship and friendship with Jesus? With whom are you in close relationship that can help point you to biblical confidence and security in times of doubt?
Who do you know who could use the encouragement from today’s reading? How will you initiate a conversation with them? (If you’re not sure how to initiate a conversation, you could send them the link to today’s post, and then ask them for their thoughts.)
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for inviting me into life-transforming friendship with You! Thank You for Your grace that welcomes me even in my imperfections, and walks with me through every difficulty and grief, and every investment and step of faith. Today, I embrace the truth that there is great gain in knowing and trusting You, great gain in being Your friend.”