Ephesians 5:7
“Therefore do not become partners with them”.
Paul is referring to the sons of disobedience. Why not? The beginning of this chapter says we are to “imitators of God, as beloved children and to walk in love”, while our speech shouldn’t contain impurity or greed. Our aims are quite different from those who practice such things.
Who are we to partner with? Acts 2:46 says this about the early church, “With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart.” We are to partner with committed christians that seek the Lord, as we do. Our actions should include these practices.
Are we encouraged in our faith when we meet with such friends? If not, they shouldn’t be our best friends. Do we encourage them in the faith? If not, we need to think (and pray) about why we don’t. Some have such large personalities that we feel inhibited from being ourselves. Pray for boldness to be ourselves.
Paul and Barnabas were famous partners in ministry, but had a falling out. They split up and became two separate ministry teams (Acts 15:39, 40). Something that seams unfortunate ends up becoming an improvement. We are to walk in love, but aren’t to worry about friendships that end.
Some friendships are for a season or two. That’s ok. Sometimes we work too hard to maintain them. The effort needs to be reciprocated by both parties. It’s unhealthy when there is an imbalance. If communication doesn’t repair it, then some healthy distance usually is needed. If there is no change, then that friendship has reached an end. Make it clear that you are open, if they change their mind. This isn’t referring to marriage in which there is a covenant binding the two.
Hebrews 10:24 gives a good description of our attitude of friendship. “And we should think toward stirring up one another to love and to good works.” We should make one another better.
We should be able to look back at our friendships and be blessed by the memories. We were at different ages and different phases. I John 2:12-14 refers to John’s audience. He call them little children, young men and fathers (this refers to the ladies, also). He isn’t referring to age in particular, but the phases of faith. When we come to Christ, we are an infant or a little child in the faith. Next comes the young adult phase. There is much zeal here. John refers to the battles won here. Lastly there is the father stage. This is a mature adult in the faith. A father has children, so a mature christian has children in the faith. We will have like minded friends in each stage. What a blessing they are.
Much of God’s work in us is often through others. I Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” We are the hands and feet of Jesus. The Spirit works through us to bless one another. It would be cool to be able to see how God does this. The Spirit’s work is local, regional and global. Much like how a mobil is touched and the entirety of it moves, so also is the Spirit’s work in people. The complexity is unfathomable.
Lord, thank You for the good friends that You provide and have provided. One more reason to praise You. Thank You, Lord for the wonderful friendships You’ve given as well as how You’ve used us to bless others.