Hearing His Voice #262

It happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.

James 2:23

The Old Testament twice refers to Abraham as God’s friend—2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8—and it’s an unusual designation. Not many people in Scripture are said to be friends with God. But James points to Abraham’s relationship with God as an example for us. The invitation into friendship with God is open to anyone. We can enter into that friendship by doing what Abraham did.

What did Abraham do? He believed God, and he acted on his belief. Those who emphasize obedience live as if God wants an army of robotic servants around Him. But that isn’t a scriptural message. It’s possible to go so far in the other direction that we live as if God only wants us to mentally acknowledge Him, but that isn’t a scriptural message either. What does God really want in our relationship with Him? Faith that works its way outward in our lives. Faith that results in fruit. Believers who believe so thoroughly that they do something about what they believe. That’s what cultivates friendship with God.

When we become friends with God, we grow to be like Him. That means not only that we hear His words and do them, but also that our hearts and minds learn to think, feel, and act like Him. We develop a bond that goes well beyond simply following instructions. We become united with Him in purpose and mission and methods.

When you have that kind of friendship, your heart will become something like a garden in which His best seeds are planted, or a stew in which His most savory flavors come to the forefront. There will be times when you know what He is saying without knowing how you know. Friends not only share thoughts, they influence each other’s hearts.

Lord, I want to be Your friend. I want to know Your heart so well that Your words are often unnecessary. Let my faith and my actions draw me closer to You.