GODLY FRIENDSHIPS
by Kathy Pegram

 

David and Jonathan's friendship is probably one of the deepest and closest friendships we read about in the Bible. They became friends as soon as they met and remained friends to the end. If you study up on the friendship of David and Jonathan you will find that they never let anything come between them, not career, or family problems. the more their friendship was tested the closer they drew,. Even when Jonathan as the prince of Israel realized that David would be the next king of Israel he never weakened his love for David. The Bible tells us in I Samuel 18:1 that Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

Did you know that your choice of friends matter to God? God cares about every aspect of your life, and that includes you choice of friends. I'm not talking about casual acquaintances, or your family. I mean Steve is the best friend I have in the world, but a husband or a parent is someone you automatically turn to. And I don't know of many people who would share their inner most feelings with just an acquaintance. But, a true friend is someone you are attracted to by a mutual interest, you meet, you click and suddenly you've included him or her into the intimate circle of your life.

But, just what if you choose the wrong friend? What if instead of a David and Jonathan friendship you choose a Jehoshaphat and King Ahab friendship? Jehoshaphat was a righteous king, but he found himself joining up with an ungodly king. Jehoshaphat purged out the idols of Baal and slayed idolatrous prophets. But, Jezebel, Ahab's wicked wife worshiped Baal, so she set her sight on how she could bring down this man of God. She divides a plan by sending in her daughter to Jehoshaphat's court. Her daughter wins over Jehoshaphat's son and before you know it Jehosphaphat is granting his permission for them to marry. Evil had entered the camp! As you know eventually Jehoshaphat dies, Jehoram his son takes the throne and Jezebel begins to run the show. It's not long before idolatry returns to the land.

The Bible tells us that because of this wicked woman the seed of Judah was destroyed. Jehoshaphat knew it was wrong to form an affinity with such an ungodly king. He knew it was wrong to grant permission for his son to marry Ahab's daughter. But, he refused to take a stand. Sometimes when we choose the wrong friends, we don't use wisdom. So you may ask yourself what do I do to make sure I'm choosing the friends God would want me to have.

Well, first and foremost the greatest evidence of a true friend is loyalty. A true friend will be there through the good times and bad. A true friend will take God's side in every situation, even if it disagrees with what you want them to say. A true friend will encourage you in the Lord. That's the kind of friendship that Jonathan and David had.

Proverbs 18:24 says.... A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother is. We all need friends, who will stick with us, listen to us and care about us through good times and bad. Instead of wishing for such a friend ask God to reveal one to you, and then start working on a godly friendship. Remember one true friendship is worth more than dozens of acquaintances. I pray that we all find lasting and unshakable godly friendships.

 

Maranatha,
Kathy