Grow Up, Already!
I have this friend that I’ve known since we were infants. Our fathers went to seminary together, became pastors in the same small denomination, and our families were very close. Although she lived in another state, we often got together in the summertime, or for various holidays that our families spent together. We had that ease of a friendship that comes without ever having any testing or trial, only fond memories of reuniting and rediscovering a long-lost playmate.
In middle school, her family moved to my town. It was an exciting new development for us. We were now able to spend a lot more time together! Although she quickly made new friends of her own, I felt proud that we had history together and an instant connection.
Our friendship progressed through high school. We discussed the “deep things of life,” including our hopes, dreams, heartaches, crushes, and, believe it or not, theology. We both loved God, and both desired more knowledge and more depth in our spiritual quests.
Unfortunately, we were both followers, not leaders, and since neither of us had a lot of friends who shared our beliefs, we were easily sucked into those insidious choices that hardened our hearts, entertained doubts, and chipped away at our identity and resolve. It wasn’t long before we were both keeping our faith tucked in our pockets like an embarrassing secret, and boldly proclaiming the gospel of self. We became different people, and it affected both our faith and our friendship. Through a series of soap opera- like events during our rebellion, we became enemies. We were no longer walking closely with God. We were no longer talking with each other.
Over the next decade, we went our separate ways, but God relentlessly pursued us both. I don’t know all the details of her spiritual journey, but He reclaimed us both, and somehow allowed us to reconcile. We have both been healed, and God has healed our friendship as well. Even our conversations have come full circle. On the rare occasions when we get to visit, our discussions are rarely wasted on trivial matters. We dig right in to the “deep stuff.” We talk about what matters…life, love, injustices in this world, and our relationship with God. We have both grown and matured in our walk with Him, and that has produced a stronger bond of unity between us….true Sisters in Christ.
When we, as believers, grow in our unity, and grow in our knowledge of Him, He matures us. Then our maturity increases our unity even more. What a great cycle! When we reach that, things like bickering, complaining, judgmentalism, petty offenses, and jealousy disappear. Only then are we able to focus on Him and our mission as the Church.
It’s easy to abandon relationships when they get hard, or when we backslide. But God doesn’t want to leave us the way we are. And He wants to sharpen us and mature us so that we can have the kind of healthy, intimate relationships that He intended us to have – with Him, and each other. In Christ, this is attainable!
Thank you for the tranparency in your journal. I love when real stories (where we didn’t always do the right)are shared – it helps with the application of the central truth.
Well written, Megan. Thanks.
So glad we don’t HAVE to live in Jr. High immaturity. There (HE) is a way to elevate towards maturity.
blessings,
alan
Thanks for sharing your heart, my friend…and for God’s faithfulness in your life and in mine. Love you…MA
That’s the best marriage counseling there is! Thanks Megan.
Only IN CHRIST is such a story possible. This is such a great story of how all things are possible ,when in Christ.
Sis:
You did such a great job using a life experience to express biblical truths. Your heart and sensitivity to the Spirit is definitely on display. I’m blessed to call you sister and friend.
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