Over lunch yesterday a friend of 40 years and I just talked – about kids, church, politics, and life. Our time is not just enjoyable, it provides me with insight and balance in my life.  In another exchange, a friend provided some insight on a project which did not just endorse my proposal, but rather offered a critique that helped me to think it through. That advice was of great value!

Proverbs tells us that  “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:22-23, NLT)  Friends give us a place to spill our inner thoughts, to gain a right perspective, steering us away from something we might find regrettable, pointing us towards the right way. Do you have a circle of advisors? Maybe you call them friends, colleagues, family, or fellow church members. Whoever they are, I hope you realize their value in your life!  

King David nicknamed his inner circle “the Mighty Men.”  “David’s Mighty Men, …linked arms with him as he took up his kingship…” (1 Chronicles 11:10) They were allies, encouragers, advisors, and they surrounded him with support.

In the book of the Acts which tells us the stories of the first generation of Christians, there were councils that were called from time to time when the Church faced thorny issues requiring wisdom. Leaders like Peter and Paul were decisive and bold, but they were also willing to let God speak to them through the counsel of their friends and co-workers. In those stories we find that sometimes the debate was sharp and words pointed! Feelings got hurt, too. But, with the help of the Spirit, those early church leaders kept their eyes on the goal and built Christ’s Kingdom, not their own!

Are there people in your life that you have invited to speak truthfully to you, no matter the situation; or are you a “Lone Ranger” falsely convinced that you can do life on your own?  

I am not naïve about people! Some people who I believed to be my closest friends have hurt me, walking away, or becoming nothing but critics. Others I leaned on were unreliable or self-serving, using our relationship for their own profit. None-the less, I believe that living with friends, building community, is the wise choice, ultimately the richest life, and God’s plan for us. 

Christians are called into the Church. One of the post-COVID tragedies is the choice of so many not to return to regular fellowship with others in worship and service.  We need more than an online experience, more than a once or twice a month connection to the congregation. Something beyond our understanding happens when we gather in Christ’s Name – the Spirit moves among us.  When we hear the Word, there is a supernatural gift of wisdom. When we share the Cup and Bread, the mystery of His Presence unites us or at least it ought to where Jesus is truly worshipped.

Christians are to be marked by love. That does not mean all will be ‘sweetness and light.’  True love requires that we lay down our ego, ‘die to self,’ and become servants to one another. When we are obedient to that call, we gain so much. Yet, tragically, in our time of emphasis on radical individualism, we are so quick to discard relationships with those who challenge us, who offer counsel that does not soothe us, or seem to affirm us.

Let’s take that descriptive line from the experience of the Mighty Men and ‘link arms!’

Let’s go beyond romantic notions of fellowship that only values the ‘warm fuzzies’ that come from the good times of fun and laughter, to build a real team –

• that builds our character,
• that multiplies our efforts in life, and
• that calls us to the highest and best in the cause of Christ.

Take this word from the Word with you today. Ask God, the Spirit, to teach you how to build a circle of counselors in your life. “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone?

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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This Ruff Taff song is 40 years old but rich in the call to real friendship!

We Will Stand

Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand

Why we pull away from each other so easily

Even though we’re all walking the same road

Yet we build dividing walls

Between our brothers and ourselves

But I I don’t care what label you may wear

If you believe in Jesus you belong with me

The bond we share is all I care to see

And we’ll change the world forever

If you will join with me

Join and sing sing

You’re my brother you’re my sister

So take me by the hand

Together we will work until He comes

There’s no foe that can defeat us

When we’re walking side by side

As long as there is love

We will stand

The day will come when we will be as one

And with a mighty voice

Together we will proclaim that Jesus

Jesus is King

It will echo through the earth

It will shake the nations

And the world will see see that

Take me by the hand

Join with me

Join and see yeah

CCLI Song # 10642

James Hollihan | Russ Taff | Tori Taff

© 1983 Curb Word Music

CCLI License # 810055