Like any relationship, friendship with God requires an investment of time. It is not simply granted by only having the desire for the relationship but through intentional actions on a frequent basis. In James 4:8, we are taught to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. Although God is always everywhere at the same time, God comes close as we invite Him into our personal space. God does not force his way into our lives but makes Himself available for mankind to enter into His presence. So, who is a candidate to be a friend of God? Although the bible teaches that God has no respect of person, God is attracted to those who earnestly seek Him, obey His Word as well as adore Him.
Seek & Prioritize
“Seek first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33
Prioritizing our days around our efforts to go after God is key in the foundation of a friendship with Him. Putting God first is rooted in our ability to trust God, relinquishing all that we are and hope to be into His hands. The more we trust God, the greater our capacity to place into His hands every area of our lives. As we continually put God first, it becomes second nature to align our lives with the Word of God. The will of God begins to overshadow our own governing power when it is not in sync with God’s purpose.
“The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2
Obey
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:13
Seeking God first helps us to lay the foundation for friendship with God. Obedience builds the friendship with God. As we submit to the guiding of the God’s Word, His purpose for us trumps our will. Through compliance to His Word, we shed thoughts and habits that jeopardize the friendship. Obedience protects us as well as the relationship. Furthermore, the relationship is strengthen and grows as a result of yielding to the lead of Holy Spirit.
Worship
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”Romans 12:2
Worship is our acknowledgement of knowing who God is and what He has done and able to do. The display of worship extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary. As we interact with others, in the decisions we make, whether it is expressed publicly or private, true worship is visible in our everyday. The intent of authentic worship is to be influenced by God in all things at all times. Worship helps us to draw near to be healed in the unreachable places, in order that we may walk confidently in the calling God had tailored for each one of us.
“Becoming a friend of God is more than worth the investment of our time”_ASA “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Chronicles of ASA 