Scripture:
James 2:23–26
23 Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead. (NRSVUE)
Observation:
Abraham believed God, and his faith was demonstrated through his obedience. He followed through with what God asked him to do. His faith was reckoned to him as righteousness, and he was “called the friend of God.”
This is all within the context of James writing that faith without works is dead. He is not advocating that we can earn our salvation through works, but that faith without works is an empty faith. Genuine faith will be reflected in the way we live.
God fills His people with His Spirit so that we can participate in Christ’s mission in this world. We are not just filled to enjoy being filled. The Spirit transforms us and empowers us to live out our faith. When we respond to God’s grace through faith and obedience, we are living as friends of God.
Application:
It’s not uncommon to hear the song “Friend of God” sung in church. But I’m going to make a confession. While I think the sentiment is sweet, that our relationship with God can be as dear as friendship, I’m afraid we may have made it all quite shallow.
Jesus told His disciples, “I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father” (John 15:15). Just before that, He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).
This friendship is based on a relationship with God that transforms the way we live. For Abraham, his friendship with God was demonstrated through his obedience.
The song celebrates the wonder that God is mindful of us and would call us His friends. And that truly is amazing! But I wonder whether we’ve become so focused on the privilege of being called God’s friends that we’ve forgotten the responsibility that comes with friendship. God has graciously invited us into this relationship, but what does it mean for us to be faithful friends to Him?
Good friends enjoy spending time together. They begin to take on one another’s characteristics. They bear one another’s burdens and know when the other is in need. Good friends take action to help one another. Friendship is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it requires action. Friends show up when we are in the midst of a crisis.
So what does friendship with God look like? We spend time in His presence. We learn to recognize His voice. We begin to reflect His character. We become concerned about the things that concern Him, and we respond when He calls us to participate in His work in the world.
We must ask ourselves whether we are truly living as faithful friends of God.
This is a serious relationship, and faith without works truly is dead.
To be His friend is a relationship with consequences. It changes the way we live.
Faithful friendship means remaining committed in the good times and the bad. God has already demonstrated His faithfulness to us. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to respond with lives of faithful love and obedience.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be a good and faithful friend to You today. Please help me to live out my faith through actions that demonstrate my love for You. Amen.
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