I don't know who came up with the "Friendship Day" but it is so interesting how these things catch on. It was only last year that the UN declared July 30 as the International Friendship Day. Yes, today is International Friendship Day.
Friends are a wonderful part of life. Think about it: since we cannot choose our family members, it was so gracious of God to give us all the privilege of choosing our friends. When I saw this poster, I smiled then wondered how true it really is.
Family that feel like friends: Although we didn't choose our family, we can choose how "friendly" we are with them. There are some family members that spend a lot of time together such that if not told, you'd think they are just friends. It's a nice form of relationship - especially since you're family forever.
Anthony Brandt said: "Other things may change but we start and end with family."
Friends that feel like family: This is almost the reverse of the one above but not quite. There are some friends that are so close that can be "mistaken" by others for your family. The deeper level is there are some friemds that you yourself consider family: "Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." (Prov 18:24 - Message) Samuel Johnson said: "To be happy at home is the ultimate end of all ambition." This is true when you're with these friends - you feel at home...in theirs or yours.
Friends that are just friends: This type of friendship is at the other end of the spectrum. Those you enjoy fellowship with - you have some things in common with them but also have clear boundaries.
So back to the question: I know that the Bible says Pastor & Mrs. Pastor (& all Christians in fact) should be hospitable - to those of the household of faith and the strangers. Indeed, there are types and tiers of friendship and yes, Pastor and Mrs. Pastor cannot have everyone as their friends - the Bible explains why:
"The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend," (Prov 18:24a - Amplified) but they need to be friendly to everyone. All I'll advise is: when picking your friends, & you need to pick, do it prayerfully - not presumptously or pompously. Lean on the Best Friend ever to help you...
Friends are a wonderful part of life. Think about it: since we cannot choose our family members, it was so gracious of God to give us all the privilege of choosing our friends. When I saw this poster, I smiled then wondered how true it really is.
Do Pastor & Mrs. Pastor really "get to pick their own friends?" Or should we even pick rather than be "all-embracing" and "take" anyone who comes our way?
When I think of friendship, 4 distinct groups come to mind:
Family friends: These are individuals/families that are friendly with everyone in your family or each member of that family has their "counterpart" friend in your family - by design or default. The example that comes to mind is when two families have their children at about the same time and especially if the children are of the same gender. Sometimes, this friendship deepens as the children grow older and have their own families and sometimes the children grow apart. As parents, we need to be careful not to force this type of friendship afterall, it is the individual (with parental guidance sometimes) that chooses his/her friends.
Anthony Brandt said: "Other things may change but we start and end with family."
Friends that feel like family: This is almost the reverse of the one above but not quite. There are some friends that are so close that can be "mistaken" by others for your family. The deeper level is there are some friemds that you yourself consider family: "Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." (Prov 18:24 - Message) Samuel Johnson said: "To be happy at home is the ultimate end of all ambition." This is true when you're with these friends - you feel at home...in theirs or yours.
Friends that are just friends: This type of friendship is at the other end of the spectrum. Those you enjoy fellowship with - you have some things in common with them but also have clear boundaries.
So back to the question: I know that the Bible says Pastor & Mrs. Pastor (& all Christians in fact) should be hospitable - to those of the household of faith and the strangers. Indeed, there are types and tiers of friendship and yes, Pastor and Mrs. Pastor cannot have everyone as their friends - the Bible explains why:
"The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend," (Prov 18:24a - Amplified) but they need to be friendly to everyone. All I'll advise is: when picking your friends, & you need to pick, do it prayerfully - not presumptously or pompously. Lean on the Best Friend ever to help you...
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