I was thinking the other night about friends, people who give you a pat on the back and accolades on your work and role in society and community. But the more I pondered the role and actions many of these people actually contribute and support to the cause I stand for, there words are utter flattery.

When so-called friends can only meet and greet at certain places and times of their choice, that is truly not a true friend.

Any person, whatever their status in life, can make a claim to be your friend.

I have found for the most part of my pilgrimage on planet Earth, those who wear the title and proclaim to be true are called Christians and proclaim to be members of some Judeo-Christian church. I must add, it does not matter about the ethnic part or background.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion about how friends ought to interact with each other. But if the truth be told, what you and I think does not amount to a hill of beans or a good laugh when measured by God Almighty’s standards. There is a way that seems right unto a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12, NKJV)

Some people for the most part want others to look up to them, they always want you to visit them at their house, but never come to yours and that goes for the church house too.

I don’t think I have a racist or prejudice bone in my body. I was raised by my parents in the heartbeat of segregation and bigotry, but I was taught to not hate or look down on others, regardless of color.

I find in this modern day of great civil freedoms, there remains too much disdain, degradation and disparity among people and people of the church. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in one of his many speeches that he hoped for the day when all God’s children, black, brown, white, yellow and all colors could sit at the table of brotherhood together in the attitude of love. There are those who believe money can fix or answer all problems, but I have news for you. Granted money has its place and can do a multitude of things, but it can’t buy you health, love or a ticket to the place that most people say they want to go when this life is over — Heaven, the place of peace, rest and tranquility.

Webster’s says: A friend is one allied in a struggle or cause; comrade. The word of God says: A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. There are many who say my friend, my friend but will not stand with you on the theatrical stage of life concerning issues of life that affect all of us.

Be not dismayed true friends, I know that there are those who talk about us.

But just remember the words of the apostle Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:3b). If God is for us, who can be against us? Proverbs 16:2, All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (or intent).

As we continue into the new year 2012, let each of us who proclaim love for God and his ways be intentional about our “friend” relationships.

The hymnologist declared: “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

In the gospel recorded by St. John 15:14, Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.”

May kind words forever flow from our lips and brotherly love disseminate.

 

The Rev. Clifton Marvel Sr. is pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church.