Wouldn’t it be strange if someone walked up to you and said: “You are now my best friend!” A stranger. Unknown to you. Out of the blue! None of that messy, time consuming “getting to know each other.” No shared experiences, common dreams. Strange, indeed.
I caught part of an interview the other day involving an Oxford University scholar named Alister McGrath, professor of theology, noted writer. All the credentials. And in the course of the conversation, McGrath alluded to the idea that the Christian faith is a “journey.” We’ve heard that before. That is, faith grows stronger experience by experience, encounter by encounter; by time spent invested in faith matters and activities. We start out with child-like faith and end up, hopefully, with a strong, mature faith. Journey. Progression. Development. Investment of self in the process of spiritual growth.
Why isn’t it the same with a specific relationship with God? In the human realm, my best friend is someone I know thoroughly, over time and experience, because we have spent extended time together. We share ourselves with each other. That’s a best friend.
It is a mark of an immature, undeveloped relationship that says “God is my friend” if we have never spent time together. Casual friendships are nice…they are called acquaintances…but to have or to be a friend is to spend time together in common experience. Most of us start out with a sandbox understanding of God, and that’s the way it should be. But to be a “friend” of the Holy One means investment of self over time…growing into the relationship. I truly enjoy being with friends, especially those who have invited me into experiences of common values. So, at this point in my life, I look back at the miles traveled with friends, and the deeper experiences of “best” friendships with those who touch my soul. All of this is to say: if you desire a deeper relationship with God, invest yourself and your time in reaching that goal. From the day of birth to the day of death, we continue to learn and grow…like being on a journey. A journey into the heart of God…best friends.
And, thank you, my friend, for the joy of the journey.
Best Friend