Last night I went out with a bunch of friends I have neglected since I graduated college, moved out of the city, got a job and got married. I have almost lost contact with many of my very best friends—who God had brought into my life for me to love, who had stood in my wedding (or at least attended), who had been my roommates, friends and support during a time of my greatest need—
I have been busy; I have a wife that I love, a job that I love, a home that I love, a church that I love, while doing what I love to do. It is easy to get lost in the things that I love and cling to the things that are easy and beneficial for me personally. Cathleen has encouraged me to call them for months and knew that it wasn’t right for me to let these friendships decay. But I didn’t act on her urging and on my conscience. And in waiting I have been guilty of doing my own most good.
Anyway, last night I went to a concert that was packed with people from my past. College friends, acquaintances, friends of friends, former band mates, high school “enemies” and even two pedestrians who I almost hit while they walked on the sidewalk when a car crashed into me and I spun out of control a few years ago. They were all there. I had forgotten many of their names and even a few of their faces.
After hugging one friend the first thing she said was, “Oh good. I’m glad you’re here. I need some joy in my life right now.” She then told me how sad she was and how hard her life is. Another friend said how happy he was for me. That I am on a “good path” and that he admires how “I know what I want to do with my life and am already doing it.” He said, “I know what I want to do with the rest of my life but I have no idea how I’m going to do it. It’s so awesome that you have figured it out.” I gave a few friends copies of The Red Book Sessions CD and one friend asked, “Are you trying to save me?” I said no and she asked why not. I told her that I couldn’t save her. She seemed offended and I clarified my statement by telling her that I can’t save anyone. Only Jesus can. I told her that I want her to know Jesus and that He wants to save her.
Today I was reading 1 Corinthians 10 which says: Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. (v. 24). The passage goes on to say:…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (vs. 31-33).
I am glad that I have these amazing friends in my life. I’m grateful that they have forgiven my neglect. I know that I still must embrace and love them and continue our friendship. I plan on it.
Many of you are going back to school in the next few days. I want to encourage you to embrace the opportunity that God is giving you to impact and love his lost children. Remember, your light belongs in the dark!
Youth Department