“Dear friends, continue to build up each other in your most holy faith—that is, in the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit—loving and adoring Jesus together—constantly bringing each other to the throne of grace.
Eagerly and patiently wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ—living with hope in light of that day, as friends and servants of Jesus. Rest, revel, and be renewed in the love of God all the way Home. Your eternal life has already begun in Jesus and will be brought to fullness.”(Paraphrase of Jude 20-22)
Dear Jesus, I could not, dare not do life alone; and that’s true of all of us. We have our fishing buddies and exercise friends—foodies and football-lovers, art-loving and backyard gardening friends. Thank you for each and all of these groups of friends—for there is sweetness “under the sun” in all of these ways we share life.
But today we take to heart to your half-brother, Jude’s, recipe for friendship. If we’re not careful, we can build a very full life—scheduling awesome relationships and experiences, and yet make very little space for you, thoughts of eternity, and investing in things that matter most to you.
Jesus, fill our hearts and friendships with yourself. It’s not that life is to be one non-ending Bible study and prayer meeting, but no one loves the things we love to do more than you. Indeed, you have given us all things to richly enjoy (1Tim.6:17).
Invade, inhabit, infuse every area of our lives with your truth, goodness, and beauty. It won’t mean living more “religiously,” but more as yours. Jesus, you’re not an add on; you’re the source, meaning, joy, centerpiece, and summation of all things. So Very Amen.