The older I become the more I realize how important my friends and family are to me. Having lived in several different towns, my wife and I, and our children, have made lasting friendships that can never be taken away in our few days that we have on earth.
I read a cartoon recently that had a picture of Charlie Brown hugging Snoopy and two older ladies hugging each other under the caption “Friends are priceless!” This is an excellent example of what the world needs to hear and see. Today, most of what we hear and read about are examples of what is happening in the world at this time. We try to keep up with the unfortunate happenings of the people around us or the turmoil that is going on in our world of today.
We live in a “dog eat dog” world. Look at today’s politicians. They tell you what you want to hear but aren’t doing much to improve our cities, towns, counties, states, or country. Some try but are backed down by their so-called friends who want lustful desires and personal riches that come at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Our churches were hurt when the COVID outbreak occurred. Many churches are struggling to retain their membership they once had. Many church members got used to streaming services via social media and have not gotten back to the responsibility of attending church at regularly scheduled services. It is too easy to stay away from the doors of our church when the world has made it so easy to do so.
The pandemic outbreak has put a scare in most of us. We avoid our friends, and family, because of what men have told us, not what God has told us. All of us need to get back into the Word of God and listen to Him instead of what the world is telling us. The book of Proverbs tells us in 27:17; “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” What great wisdom God has given us through this book in the Bible. He also tells us in Proverbs 18:24; “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
We have been tested in the last few years with worries of a disease and the out of ordinary experiences we are used to. The world seems frustrated as to what man can do to create havoc among all of us. We need to get back to the times that we look toward the heavens and praise God for what we have and not worry about what we don’t have. God gave us but a few days on this earth. Let’s praise Him and give Him the glory of a life on earth that is fulfilling and rewarding.
Having friends is great, but having close friends and family is tremendous. We need to also remember that to have a friend, we must be a friend. Jesus is a friend that will never leave you alone. Do you know Him personally? Have you accepted Him into your heart and live the life that He wants you to? If not, talk to Him today and receive His blessings and guidance that everyone desires.
