| Lisa L. is an 18 year old home school graduate. She enjoys homemaking, being with her family, and taking care of children. |
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When I found out this month’s theme was on friendship, my
first emotion was panic! There are so many ways to be a friend
and just as many how not be a friend…how was I supposed to
cover them all? I’m not that great a friend myself, so how could
I write about being one? I prayed about it and God showed me
that I didn’t need to cover all the areas of friendship, I just
needed to share what was on my heart. Most importantly, He
showed me that I don’t need to be the perfect friend either. I
merely need to learn from all the mistakes I’ve made and,
despite them all, be the best friend I can be.
I decided to write on setting an example because it’s a very
important role in most of our lives; not only as friends but also
as Christians. Like me, your first thought is probably, “nobody
notices me. It doesn’t matter how I act.” That isn’t true. You
have no idea who all is watching you, friends, strangers,
youngsters, parents, etc. Your behavior matters! Now comes
the big question: How do we set an example? I’m not really sure
to be honest, but God knows. Here are some quotes and verses
that give good examples:
Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every person were
such as you and every life a life like yours, this earth would be
Gods paradise. ~Phillips Brooks~
He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God. ~Abraham
Kuyper~
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who
believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12~
In all things showing yourself an example of good works; in
your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility...
~Titus 2:7~
This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would
have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their
faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good
actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also
useful to mankind. ~Titus 3:8~
first emotion was panic! There are so many ways to be a friend
and just as many how not be a friend…how was I supposed to
cover them all? I’m not that great a friend myself, so how could
I write about being one? I prayed about it and God showed me
that I didn’t need to cover all the areas of friendship, I just
needed to share what was on my heart. Most importantly, He
showed me that I don’t need to be the perfect friend either. I
merely need to learn from all the mistakes I’ve made and,
despite them all, be the best friend I can be.
I decided to write on setting an example because it’s a very
important role in most of our lives; not only as friends but also
as Christians. Like me, your first thought is probably, “nobody
notices me. It doesn’t matter how I act.” That isn’t true. You
have no idea who all is watching you, friends, strangers,
youngsters, parents, etc. Your behavior matters! Now comes
the big question: How do we set an example? I’m not really sure
to be honest, but God knows. Here are some quotes and verses
that give good examples:
Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every person were
such as you and every life a life like yours, this earth would be
Gods paradise. ~Phillips Brooks~
He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God. ~Abraham
Kuyper~
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who
believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12~
In all things showing yourself an example of good works; in
your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility...
~Titus 2:7~
This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would
have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their
faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good
actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also
useful to mankind. ~Titus 3:8~
Most of these aren’t about friendship but that isn’t the point.
We need to be examples to others whether they are our friends
or not. If you notice, most of these verses have something to
do with your life and not your words. Words are extremely
important, but if what you say doesn’t add up to what you do
they will mean nothing. Not only that, but people will think of
you as a hypocrite.
None of these verses say you have to be perfect either. It’s ok
to make mistakes. Everyone does. Just do the best you can
and learn from the mistakes you do make. No one can ask for
more. I don’t know about you, but I have an easier time
listening to those who I know have a hard time being “good”
or make mistakes often. Why? Because when they give you
advice, they know what they are talking about and they give
you hope, letting you know you aren’t the only one who falls
short. If you never made mistakes, how would you give
advice to others? You couldn’t unless you were guessing
everything you told them. I’m not saying you should try to
make mistakes! Just remember that when you do, everyone
does and it doesn’t make you any less of a person. A friend
once told me, “It’s not about how hard you fall. It’s about
how you get back up”. I love that quote because it applies to
everyday life.
We need to be examples to others whether they are our friends
or not. If you notice, most of these verses have something to
do with your life and not your words. Words are extremely
important, but if what you say doesn’t add up to what you do
they will mean nothing. Not only that, but people will think of
you as a hypocrite.
None of these verses say you have to be perfect either. It’s ok
to make mistakes. Everyone does. Just do the best you can
and learn from the mistakes you do make. No one can ask for
more. I don’t know about you, but I have an easier time
listening to those who I know have a hard time being “good”
or make mistakes often. Why? Because when they give you
advice, they know what they are talking about and they give
you hope, letting you know you aren’t the only one who falls
short. If you never made mistakes, how would you give
advice to others? You couldn’t unless you were guessing
everything you told them. I’m not saying you should try to
make mistakes! Just remember that when you do, everyone
does and it doesn’t make you any less of a person. A friend
once told me, “It’s not about how hard you fall. It’s about
how you get back up”. I love that quote because it applies to
everyday life.
Yes, there are a million ways to be a friend and there is
no way any of us could cover them all or be the
“perfect” friend, but let’s try to encourage one another
and be an example. I know it isn’t much, but I hope this
article has helped to encourage you and gives you hope
today!
no way any of us could cover them all or be the
“perfect” friend, but let’s try to encourage one another
and be an example. I know it isn’t much, but I hope this
article has helped to encourage you and gives you hope
today!
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