Daily Companion | 8 February
BE A FRIEND NOT A BOSS
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. John 15:15.
A gateman is stationed at the gate to control who goes into the compound of his employer. Visitors come and go but he never steps into the house to know what the boss does. When asked, do you know where your boss is doing now? I don’t know, is often his response.
Our Lord Jesus Christ in John chapter 15 expressed what friendship is. Friendship is sharing knowledge of what each other does or plans to do with the aim of understanding aspirations, likes and dislikes, emotions, welfare and respecting each other’s opinions. They share each other’s secrets and keep them confidential. Keeping such confidentiality or respecting opinions is a great obedience.
Obeying instructions is common in all relationships whether master-servant or friendship. But there is one only striking difference between the two: sharing each other plans and aspirations. Though orders from the boss are obeyed but can only turn into friendship if secrets and feelings are mutually shared and respected.
Friendship can be sought or earned in different ways. But the strongest of them all is faith (trust). Abraham earned God’s friendship by faith and trust in God. The LORD said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? (Genesis 18:17). Second way is fear of betrayal. Great friends always fear betraying each other. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Joseph feared betraying God if he conceded to lie with Potiphar’s wife. That is friendship! It’s beyond obedience.
Dear friend, just as God has decided to make us friends because He shares His feelings and respect ours too, seize the opportunity today to build a new faith in Him. Every leader, couple, parents too need open doors of friendship to everyone under them. Friendship is a choice for goodness but being bossy is condescending.
Today’s Recite: Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple - Psalms 65:4 (NKJV)
Today’s Morning Prayer: Today, I thank You for a new understanding of what friendship is: knowing and understanding my feeling. O Lord choose me as Your friend today. Help me to also make new friends. Healing my relationship with others in Jesus mighty name. Amen!
Today’s Hymn: What A Friend We Have in Jesus
Today’s Read Me: Leviticus 23 – 25
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