Fri/Sat/Sun—September 22–24•True Friendships Require Time I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15) Jesus was nearing His death when He made the statement quoted above. He had pursued relationship with these men for about three years. Now He says, “We’re moving to a new level of relationship.” The reality is, true friendships require time. To move from being acquaintances to being friends requires a personal investment. What does that look like in our contemporary culture? Well, you can get involved in a one-to-one relationship with a guy, where you mentor him or you mentor each other. You could get in a small group, like a Bible study or a discussion group, where you read or discuss a book together. You might join a service team or go on a mission trip together. Or you could find a shared interest group, like a softball team. The opportunities are endless. So, imagine that you’ve invited a friend to go bowling. You throw the ball twice, and you sit there together for a while. You make fun of each other. “Seriously, dude, you’ve got to get some more spin on that ball.” If you invest time, those conversations can become deeper and deeper and deeper. Eventually you’ll talk about things that matter. Any activity can provide the opportunity to develop a spiritual friendship, if you’re willing to invest time and energy to develop that relationship. MIMBS 10 List some activities you’re already involved in that could provide a forum for developing deeper spiritual friendships with other men. Ask God to direct you in that endeavor. Daily Reading: Isaiah 39:1–45:10, Ephesians 1:1–3:21, Psalm 66:1–68:18, Proverbs 23:25–24:2 FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP September 18–24 What is your reputation in the workplace? ■ Does it invite people or repel them? ■ Why is it important to understand the continuum of acquaintance to friendship? ■ How does time affect that process? 54
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