One of the things we can learn from this economic crisis we’re in is how many friends we truly have. I believe true friends are the ones that hang around you even when you’re broke.
I don’t know what it is about being financially blessed that draws the crowd. It’s like when you have a cash flow and people know about it, these so-called friends come out of the woodwork. They are calling you on the phone, stopping by for a visit, and act as if they really care about you. But, now that the money is gone the phone rarely rings. What’s up with that?
Have you ever analyzed a telephone call? Let’s say your phone rings and you answer it. Let’s say the phone conversation lasts for thirty minutes. How much of that time was spent by your friend on seeing how you were really doing? Or were they buttering you up for the ‘what can you do me’ speech? It makes you wonder if people really care about you. I guess our natural need for friendship makes us blind to what real friendship is. We can’t see their motives behind the phone call. We automatically assume that since they called us they must actually care. That’s not always the case.
I remember a few years ago when we were doing good financially. Our business was successful and taking vacations was a common thing to do around here. We would even invite our friends along and cover the tab. It was a good life and we were very giving of what God had blessed us with and friends were everywhere. We didn’t mind sharing because money was basically green printed paper that could easily be made again. It was really no big deal. If someone needed something, we would always step up to the plate to help them every time they asked.
One of the lessons I have had to learn from this is that God expects us to be good stewards with what He has given us. This free flowing money that He blessed us with should have been used for good, not wasted on maintaining friendships. I also learned that giving all the time to the same people can actually cause more harm than good, especially if they are looking to you to provide for them instead of God who is the real source. Another lesson for me is that we can’t get bitter or angry when these people aren’t around in our time of need. If we are truly giving and helping people from the heart, we shouldn’t expect anything back in return.
Because of these lessons, I can see now who my friends are because they are the ones that are still in my life today. Actually, I have made more new friends because of our financial setback and are here regardless of how much money I have in my bank account. I have also learned that when I help someone it should be because I love them as Jesus does, not because I want to make and keep friends.
Many of us will be losing friends during this economic crisis, but according to the Bible, it’s to be expected. If you have lost your job or have been struggling financially because of some money setbacks, you may lose friends, too. Don’t let this get you depressed, bitter, or angry. Take a closer look at who your real friends are. You will be able to recognize them because they will be the ones that are still calling. They are the ones that come to you to see how they can help you and pray with you. Always remember who these people are because they are the real deal. And when you try to make a friend, put your money back in your pocket and see what happens.
Let’s learn all the valuable lessons we can from this economic crisis. One of them being the test of true friendship.
God bless you!
Jeff
Harbor Of Light Ministries
Author/Cartoonist for A Redneck's Guide
0 comments:
Post a Comment