Friend or Foe!

Like most of us, I had always thought I understood clearly who a friend is, in terms of human relationships.

I mean, one who has your best interest at heart and cares for your wellbeing, right? It seems pretty straightforward and simple, right?

I have held this notion until I came across two scriptures that have challenged this understanding.

In one of the scriptures, Jesus had just called a dedicated disciple-Peter, who was very concerned for his welfare and preservation of His life - Satan!

Later, he called one other disciple who had just betrayed him to a company that would eventually crucify him, friend!

Yes, I know you might think he did not really mean to call Judas friend, but the more I have read about Jesus, I find that He is not given to flattery.

He was not shy to call out men for who they truly are. I mean He called Herod, Fox. Called the Pharisees hypocrites, blind, children of their father the devil etc.

Based on these two instances of Peter and Judas, my definition of a friend is anyone who aids you towards the fulfilment of God's purpose for your life in that instant.

He/She may say unpleasant things to you, rebuke you or may even offend you, but always stir you towards the fulfilment of your God given purpose.

A friend does not encourage you to disobey God, a foe does.

A friend does not advise you to accept compromise in other to avoid difficult situations that are contrary to your Christian convictions. A foe does.

A friend doesn't encourage you not to be too hard on yourself or to pamper your flesh and ego. A foe does.

A Foe will support you down a path that encourages selfish living. Simply put, If he/she encourages you away from God, stop calling him/her "friend".

Those relationships that drain you of your Christian conviction and passion, are NOT worth keeping!

A friend will encourage you down the path of godly living and pursuit of God's purpose for your life.

In the light of the above, are you keeping ungodly relationships with people and call them, Friends? They continually lead you away from the purpose of God for your life but yet you have labelled them friends.

Some people who we are in "ships" with, be it relationships or friendships, bring hardships/losses in the journey of life, ask those that travelled with Jonah. They incurred losses of their valuable cargo as they themselves carried Jonah away from his God given assignment.

Have you also lost something precious/valuable trying to keep that male or female friend?

Is your relationship with God suffering because of your relationship with a man or woman?

It is time to discern who you have been walking with, and identify them for who they are. Are they Friend or Foe ?