Church Friends vs. Worldly Friends

What’s the difference and why is it important to have both?

We’ve all heard the saying “friends are like elevators – either they bring you up or they bring you down”. But I don’t think we as Christians elaborate enough on the importance of having friends inside as much as outside the church. I think if you have no friends from inside the church there is a problem. But I also think, there is an equal problem if you have no friends from outside the church.

In a godly friendship, there is no shame and no fear of being rejected or judged, evidently, since the both of you are trying to be like Christ. This then makes the two of you understand each other in a very special yet different way. You can approach them for anything, whether it be a prayer request or support and guidance regarding your spiritual walk with Christ. That’s why I believe that godly friendships are important… they’re blessings in your life. You must ask God to give you a godly friend if you lack one. He will send one your way. And that’s the type of friend you want to keep.

I remember I was going through a tough time letting go of something and I shared it with my best friend and she told me this “God has a plan. I’m sure he wants you to see something you wouldn’t be able to see if you don’t let go”. And you know its things like that, that count. Maybe deep down I knew this was God’s plan, to teach me to let go, but hearing someone you trust and someone you love, tell you this, convinces and reassures you. Altogether, these friends pour good things into your spirit and lift you up when you’re down.

It’s important though to also pour into someone else’s spirit and to bring someone else who is down, up. The friend who is not yet saved, needs you just as much as you need that godly friend. The world today is so wicked so we must be a light in their darkness. There is no point of praying for lost souls, if you don’t know them. Being friends with them, helps you have compassion for them and understand them better, therefore you can pray for them with a better understanding of their situations. We can’t avoid to fellowship with them.

Of course, you are not to do the things they do nor act the way they do but you ought to love them. The only way an elevator can take you down, is if it's not taking you up... so you must find opportunities to influence them positively and to pour the word of God into their spirit.

One of my best friends is not yet saved and when we hang out, I engage in conversations with her, I agree, I laugh and I situate myself in a position to understand her, but when she says per example, that she hates her mom because she did so and so, it’s not time for me to keep agreeing, this is my cue to share with her what it is to respect parents and tell her how blessed she is considering the fact that other people don’t have mothers therefore she must forgive her. It’s in that kind of way you can lift up an ungodly friend.

Because we are also imperfect beings, we understand what they mean and where they are coming from… we’ve all felt like something was missing in our lives or have experienced a broken heart or have known rejection and the helplessness of not being able to get out of a situation… but the thing is, WE'VE FOUND THE SOLUTION. Because we’ve overcome sin, we can help them. We are in a great position to help them. This will bless your friend in ways you wouldn’t imagine. They will know who to come to next time they need someone to bring up their mood or whenever they need advice about something that bothers them. They will be able to trust that you will not judge them, you will not reject them, and you will love them as Christ loved you and that you will help them when they need you. Most importantly that you will pray for their souls to find rest in the grace of God.

So go on and befriend that girl or that boy in your class who loves to talk about skipping class and partying, since Jesus too approached you while you were still in sin. If you guys get along and that person respects you, and if your intention is to be a light in their life and you would like to devote your time in prayer for them, you shouldn’t be afraid to approach them, nor be afraid to be overcome by darkness, because God already said you wouldn’t be.

John 1:5 (NIV)
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it"

By: Vicky (Vessel Speaker)