One String Attached
by Maxie Kamalski
[Continued reflections on the book Raw Spirituality by Tom Smith]
As I shared in my previous blog about the picture of God we have, I was challenged by the four images of Jesus Tom shares in his book: (1) Jesus as Savior, the one who forgives; (2) Jesus as Teacher, the one who shows the way; (3) Jesus as Lord, the one who has the authority; and (4) Jesus as Friend, the one who knows and cares for your heart.
“We (God and I) become friends . This is a very freeing image; we can easily follow Jesus in such a way that it is all about sacrifice and grit and hard work, and then, we miss the joy of walking with Jesus as a friend. If we get stuck with the images of Jesus as Teacher and Lord, the impact on our lives can be oppressive.”
-Tom Smith, Raw Spirituality, p. 52
For a long time the images of Jesus as Teacher and Lord defined my faith, without the beautiful touch of Jesus as Friend. I became so lost in the continual sacrifice and hard work picture of God that I completely missed the joy of walking with Jesus as a Friend as Tom so beautifully writes. To be honest, I don’t know why it’s so hard to see Jesus as a friend.
This is a classic example of the way the world works contradicting with the ‘upside down’ kingdom of God. The world teaches you to work hard and earn love, respect, money; you name it. Everything comes with strings attached. But Jesus doesn't. When He invites us into friendship with Him, He does so because He wants us to connect with Him. That’s the only string attached. Becoming friends with Jesus creates an opportunity to connect with the very heart of God.
As we become friends with God, it naturally progresses that we want Him to be our Teacher and Lord as well. I no longer grind my teeth, work hard and sacrifice away but rather walk with my Friend, joyfully doing whatever is needed for Him.
Friendship with Jesus isn’t only about the relational intimacy with God that we gain. It also brings goodness to our world.
Are you friends with Jesus?