Friends

Yesterday I had opportunity to eat lunch with a couple of guys that I have known since my college days. While we have not always been in close proximity to one another, we have for the last four years. Our lunch conversation focused on areas of common interest with a joke or two thrown in for good measure. I suppose it was while I was driving home that it struck me just how important it is to have friends.

Maybe that is one of the reasons that fellowship is such an important part of church. I suppose we could get the information that we receive in Sunday School or worship from television or by reading a book, but that interactive element would be missing.

Thinking of friendship, and its role in Christian discipleship I think it is pretty clear that we need it. I have to admit that my friends have been a help to me in terms of my Christian walk. Now, this is not some sort of accountability group where you expect that sort of thing. No, this is just people who care about me manifesting that concern. I am grateful for it, and I have to hope my friends get as much benefit from knowing me as I do from knowing them.