Faith Together

When I think about friendships, I consider having Christian friends who help me pursue Jesus to be one of the greatest blessings in my life. Having a close relationship with others who have eternal purpose in mind has had a huge influence on my growth in Christ. Whether these friends are for a season or for the long haul, the spiritual impact we have on one another is invaluable. From learning by their example to being challenged by them, they have helped my walk with Christ.

Changes in my attitude or in areas of discouragement become obvious when I don't surround myself with closest friendships of Jesus' girls who run the race with me. Someone who is not seeking Christ just doesn't have the biblical mindset to help me make choices that honor God. Obviously, as a Christian, I have friends who are not believers. What I am emphasizing is the influence our closest relationships have on our walk with Christ.

I have had the joy of serving Jesus with close friends, and it has been so much fun. There's something about spending time together laboring for Jesus that is filled with laughter and good conversation. It promotes such sweet fellowship! I've also benefited from having friends who have godly qualities that I lack. I can learn by observing them and talking to them. No one is perfect, but there are spiritual disciplines that others have that I simply do not. Learning how they grew in that particular area offers ideas for me to apply, and they can be a good source of accountability. Friends have lovingly challenged me to step out of my comfort zone for Jesus. Comfort zones can be cozy, but I can't stay there. I need others who see an area in my life that can be used to bring glory to Jesus and lovingly encourage me to step out in faith.

Godly friendships are essential to our life in Christ. These types of relationships go deeper than just socialization. We need someone to talk to about the things of God – someone we can be really honest with and discuss things we struggle with and areas where we need to grow. Choosing strong friendships that push me toward God and Christlikeness is extremely important in my relationship with Christ. Our closest friends have a huge spiritual impact. They help us live out our calling and keep our focus on Jesus!