Life’s most precious treasure is contained within individuals who await the exploration of one who is interested enough to find it. A casual conversation that leads to the revelation of the deep secrets of the heart that reaches the soul with mutual understanding is a breath of fresh air. Lasting relationships that can endure the test of time are birthed and established. One writer said, “A person’s wealth is not measured by the size of his bank account but by the friends he keeps.” This is not our genesis—children are born selfish but quickly learn the lesson that provisions come from sources beyond their own ability and reach. Even though all are directed towards themselves, they eventually respond with a smile or some indication to acknowledge the lives around them. But somewhere down the road, many grow to compete with others for what they want and separate themselves from the very hand that fed them. We need other people, whether we know it or not.
Within an impersonal crowd, the masses move in every direction. Although each individual has a motive and is in pursuit of a specific goal, there are those special ones that provide a kind of sanctuary. No longer a generalized blur of people whisking in a rush towards their assignments, but rather, they show interest in the things that interest you. The values that you hold dear are retained within their hearts. Before a man ever finds a wife, he must first find a friend. When he marries his friend, there is a foundation established for having all things in common. Our churches must be full of friends who worship God and enjoy His Presence together. We must work at converting strangers into becoming friends if we are to ever see them converted to Christ. Friends love unconditionally and expect nothing in return. Friends will correct in love because the correction can be well received if love is firmly established. Friends are more than willing to inconvenience themselves if it is for the others benefit. Even when a friend fails to do what is right, there is still someone that will do what is right on your behalf.
We all need friends more than we could ever know. There is a need to retain old friends and to always be about making new friends. Old friends are like expensive wine, refined over time. New friends are the new adventure awaiting exploration. As the years pass, how many friends have you gathered along the way? Review your list of acquaintances and ask the question, why have these people have crossed your path? Is it your responsibility to cultivate the relationship or was the purpose fulfilled in the exchange? If you are to search for a deeper meaning, prayerfully pursue that purpose. They may be able to see the message of Christ in you before they hear it from you. This could be the necessary bond for mutual enrichment. I have attended many funerals and in hearing the remarks and eulogy of the person that I thought I knew, I have often wondered why I never saw that side of the person being eulogized. At that moment I would wish to turn back the hands of time and relive with them what others had so warmly appreciated. There are things in all of us awaiting the right time and effort to bring it to the surface. God gives us what someone else needs and gives them what we need. Even when we are given an assignment, the first question ought to be who are the people given to me for its completion? His assignments are always greater than our abilities alone to complete. Instead of remaining alone, make friends; be a friend and start living!
