“But I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from the Father” (John 15:15)
We find it difficult to fail, but often we find it more disconcerting when friends fail us. That is why our friendship with Christ is so important—especially when we are in ministry to others. Others sometimes fail, but Jesus doesn’t fail.
There is something marvelous and mysterious to the friendship of Jesus. We know His friendship best, the most intimately, when we feel most alone, when others have disappointed us. Perhaps this spiritual friendship means more because it is constant and eternal.
Many youth leaders admit they feel lonely in their ministries. Certainly the Lone Ranger syndrome is alive and well in many, the feeling that all things fall on our shoulders. Ministry, indeed, often is crushed by our tendencies to feel unsupported and under-appreciated.
It is vital to keep our spirits alive in ministry, to shape our days and our work within the context of the friendship of Jesus. Without His constant care and oversight, we quickly can fall into disrepair, into despair. Our ministries can become hollow and lifeless, and sooner rather than later we can find ourselves just going through the motions, putting one foot in front of the other without making any real progress or being passionate in our work.
Consider your own friendships today. How can they be strengthened? Who do you need in your life for support and comfort? For fun and fellowship? Don’t be afraid to reach out to these friends—even if some have failed in the past.
