Name Tags: You are… Friends Of Jesus

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

John 15:13-15 (ESV)

Having an influential friend is great! We receive priority attention in jobs, schools, wants, needs, and emergencies.

  • WHO is higher than the King of Glory?

  • WHAT is higher than His righteous right hand?

  • WHEN is higher than His perfect timing? 

  • WHERE is higher than the Kingdom of God?

  • WHY is “higher” a word we must embrace?

  • HOW can these soaring questions be answered?

My mom's most-loved hymn is about friendship, namely… 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus!' In it, we’re moved to remember the prize of cherishing Christ as our closest Friend: His consistent availability in all circumstances is unfailing.*

But…

We dare not take our King’s friendship lightly. We dare not think of Him like other friends– nor prefer their company over His. We dare not trivialize our Savior or forget He is Lord and Master first…

Which is how it worked for His disciples. Each one loved, learned, grew, and obeyed Him first.** Only when they mastered the lesser roles did they win the HIGHEST role– as His friends.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Consider a key industry segue: Be humble and cherish the lesser roles.

Love, learn, grow, and obey your True Agent: the One Who’s sending you into the world, the One Who’s smiling at every small step, and the One Who’s friendship will never fail. Only then will you rise to starring roles.

Name Tags: You Are… Friends Of Jesus (Part 44)

* 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' sung by Mahalia Jackson: What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Mahalia Jackson

* Lyrics to 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' (Joseph Scriven, 1855)

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged.
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer--
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

** Excellent Article: Are You A Friend Of Jesus? Lesson 82: Are You A Friend Of Jesus? (John 15:12-17) | Bible.org

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban