friends that bail

I have encountered many folks who wrestle with making a commitment to believe, trust and follow Jesus Christ. One reason they often give for this hesitation is that they are afraid they will lose all their friends. Well … speaking from my experience … this is actually true.
In 1995 when Jesus became the focus of my heart and thoughts some friends began to bail on me. It seemed slowly they would avoid me and my wife until they just faded out of our lives. Some have never returned … and this saddens me.
However, GOD brought some new people into our world. People who have cared for us during good and challenging times. People who share and carry our sorrows.
People who have kept us accountable out of love and respect. People who love GOD and are excited about growing in the knowledge and application of His Word. People who know how to have fun without relying on alcohol or dishonoring conversations. These new friends are not sinless … but they are redeemed. And because of the work that Christ did on the cross WE will be together in a place called Heaven … designed and prepared for us by Jesus Himself.
Paul reminds us that the ways of this world are deceptive and can be full of so called friends that urge us to live without GOD. Then he addresses his eternal friends with these words …
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.” Philippians 4:1