"On Saying 'Yes' or 'No" to Friendship"

friendship:  n.  A friendly relationship, or a relationship as friends.  Good will.

The invitation included the request for acknowledgement of attendance—a simple “Yes” or “No.”  It was not an easy decision.  The event was some distance away and, as a gardener, work and schedules would need to be juggled and adjusted.  The employee count in my business consists of me, myself, and I, so the work would be postponed and waiting when I returned.  In the end I knew I did not want to live with the regret of missing out, of being included yet refusing the invitation.  As for the work, as my mother always said, “It’ll keep.”  The response was “Yes, thank you.”

While mowing yesterday I was thinking about choices, making decisions, and having the free will to do so.  Understanding how that applies to a relationship with One who is omnipotent and omniscient can be difficult. 

  

God is not on a power trip nor is He One who dictates, giving out orders and requirements of compliance.  That’s not who He is or how He works.  The choice and decision is mine if I do not want what He offers. But know this--the base of all He does is that of love.  

If you consider a friendship, a relationship where there is genuine care and concern, a give-and-take, it makes sense.  A friend will give his/her input and opinion as you approach a situation.  In making my decision I was given that perspective by a close friend.  She never told me what to do but offered support and insight.  My Heavenly Father gave me the same.

A repeated message of mine is the basis of life with God is that of friendship.  His desire for a friend culminated in the creation of man.  The God of the universe, the one and only true living God wants you, He wants me, to be His friend.  Given that, He will never force Himself upon anyone.  That’s not what friends do.

A friendship, a relationship is not knowing about another person; it is knowing that person.  Too often the focus and emphasis of the church is on compiling information about God through Bible studies or sermons.   At best, that is a tenuous prospect, as He is presented in such a variety of lights, depending upon each church’s doctrine.

In living life with God as a partner, His character, His nature, His personality is revealed.  As with any friend, honest interaction takes place as I learn about myself as well.  He will and does approach us, seeking that friendship, and that is where our free will enters in.  We are the ones who can say “Yes” or “No, thank you,” and we live our lives with that decision, that choice.    “Maybe, tomorrow, or someday,” is not in the list of options and by not saying “Yes,” we are saying “No.”

Many years ago I made a conscious decision and request of my Father that, at the end of my life I would have no regrets.  For me, saying “Yes” to Him has been a response I have never regretted.  It is one I highly recommend, but then, it is not for me to try to sway you.  You have your own free will, and it is your decision.