James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed GOD, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called GOD’s friend.
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
There are a few people in the bible that seemed to have a special relationship with GOD. One of those people was Abraham. Abraham was called “GOD’s friend.” The fact that Abraham was GOD’s friend seems to have been “common knowledge” in the Bible.
In 2 Chronicles 20:7, King Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah, the Southern part of the divided kingdom, states during one of his prayers:
O our GOD, didn’t you drive out the heathen who lived in this land when your people arrived? And didn’t you give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? [Living Bible translation]
The King James version of this verse not only refers to Abraham as being GOD’s friend, but mentions that Abraham was GOD’s friend “forever,” suggesting that they were not only “friends” but “best friends.” Just image being that close to GOD!
Isaiah 41:8, is a clear acknowledge by GOD, that Abraham was indeed “HIS friend.” In Isaiah, GOD speaking to HIS people, states:
But, as for you, O Israel, you are mine, my chosen ones, for you are Abraham’s family, and he was MY friend. [Living Bible translation]
This suggests that the benefits of GOD’s friendship can reverberate from generation to generation.
In the above passage from the book of James, believed to have been written by the brother of JESUS, James also refers to Abraham as GOD’s friend. James’s letter provides some evidence as to why Abraham and GOD were in fact friends. James states that Abraham believed GOD.
Think about the people you call best friends in your childhood. When anything really exciting happened at school, wasn’t it your best friend you wanted to tell and get their reaction. When you wanted an opinion “that really mattered”---how you looked, whether a certain outfit fit you, what junior high school you might attend, what activities you were signing up for at school, wasn’t it your best friend you wanted to consult and compare notes. You believed your friend. You trusted them.
Many a frustrated parent has said: “If they told you to jump off a cliff, would you jump off too?!!?” over what sometimes seemed to be blind allegiance and strong faith their child had in a best friend.
Abraham had an even greater blind allegiance and faith in his friend, GOD.
EXERCISING WITH FRIENDS
Anyone who has had a “gym buddy,” “walking pal,” “exercise classmate,” “team mate” “workout partner,” or “been in a group exercise session” can attest to the benefits of exercising with friends.
There are numerous benefits when you exercise with friends.
- Accountability- Knowing that your friends will show up helps to motivate you to show up. And, showing up is 99% of the exercise battle. You are more likely to exercise when you get into the habit of exercising with another person. If you exercise alone, it is easy to “take a pass.” But, if you know others will be looking for you or when you have classmates ask “Where were you? We missed you!” it helps to keep you showing up on a regular basis too!
- Motivation- Watching other people exercise, practicing with others, learning various movements motivates everyone to keep at it and get better. Although people often feel like they will “stand out” or look awkward “compared to everyone else,” when people actually attend exercise classes a few times, they are often surprised how easy it is to “fit in.” Everyone just wants to have fun! No one is competing. Everyone just wants to enjoy themselves and get healthy! Once you realize that “Most people thinks they can’t dance,” everyone stops looking around and just moves to the Zumba or exercise beat.
- Socialization- Socializing in an exercise group, at a gym, on a team with other people is good for a person’s physical and their mental health. One of the reasons that parents often encourage their children to participate in sports is not only for the exercise but to teach them “life lessons too.” You learn how to cooperate, work together as a team, try to achieve a common goal and learn how to do your best for the greater good. You can learn or re-learn those same “life lesson” when you try to improve in adult team exercise activities. Often going to the gym becomes a time of learning to “let go” [of everything else that happened during your day or you have planned for the day] and just focus on relaxing, exercising and having fun.
So, give it a try. If you are concerned about your lack of activity, you want to improve your stamina, physical condition or get to the next level, call up a friend, try an exercise class or just start walking regularly at places where other people walk. You are likely to make some friends.
A FRIEND OF GOD
Think about some of the characteristic of best friends:
- They tend to tell each other everything;
- They hang out at each other’s houses;
- They trust each other.
And, think about James 2:23: Abraham believed GOD.
Today, tell GOD you want to be friends. Talk with HIM. Tell HIM everything. Consider the last time you went to the house of GOD. Has it been a while? If you go frequently, do you go to hang out with other people or to be “with GOD?” Consider how often you invite GOD to hang out at your house. If it has been awhile, do something about it. Invite HIM in. Share a meal. Have a conversation. Pick up a Bible and get to know HIM better. Hang out!
Best friendships don’t happen overnight. But, to be able to say: “I am a friend of GOD” is worth the effort!
Be a friend, exercise with friends and BE BLESSED!
