We once had a neighbour who employed a maid to assist with his housework. One day when he was out shopping, the cleaner arrived to commence work. Getting no reply, she called at our door to borrow his spare keys. “I am the lady that ‘does’ for Peterâ€, she announced!
This made me think: Am I a man that ‘does’ for God? James reminds Christians of the importance of putting faith into practice. This should be persistent, despite the inevitable obstacles and demands. God never promised an easy life: Abraham nearly had to sacrifice his only son; and Jesus laid down His own life! Yet, Abraham was honoured for demonstrating his trust and was called ‘God’s friend’ (James 2:23). Â
Similarly, Jesus talked about the disciples being His ‘friends’ just before He died. He went on to command them to love each other, and clarified that they were His ‘friends’ IF they obeyed His command (John 15:14-15). Billy Graham said, ‘You cannot say that you are friendless when Christ has said ‘Henceforth I call you not servants … but I have called you friends.’â€
Maybe today, you can be a friend of Christ today!   Abraham was given special status through his obedience and trust. Similarly, by God’s grace, all faithful Christians can know they’re in a secure relationship with Him, through a faith in Jesus that ‘does’ love in action.
A prayer: Matt Redman’s words: “Jesus what can I give, what can I bring, to so faithful a friend, to so loving a king?†Amen. Â
Copyright Rev. Anthony D. Miles August 2007
