"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." James 2:23Is Simply Believing in God Enough?
What an awesome thing, to know that God not only knows your name, but actually calls you His Friend. That is exactly what this verse refers to concerning Abraham. You might think, what great achievement did Abraham do in order for God to say this of him? As we take a look at this scripture, we see that it says he "believed God". Is that it! God calls you friend because you believe Him? Is it just that easy? James says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: t he devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19) There must be more to this believing then, if the devils can even do it. Let's take a look at this word believe and see what it means.
The Circle of Trust
The Greek word is "pisteuo" (pist-yoo'-o) and it means "to entrust one's spiritual well-being with, to put one's trust in". To trust someone you have to really know them. You have to spend time with them, to know their likes and dislikes. You have to know what they like to do, where they like to go, and who they like to spend time with. When you really get to know someone, you enter this circle of trust, that says, "now I know you well enough, I know I can trust you with anything". This is the place Abraham and gotten to with God. He not only trusted God, but God could now trust him. Jesus, when speaking to His disciple, said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:14)
No Hesitation in Total Trust
Obedience goes hand in hand with trust. You cannot obey if you do not trust, and you cannot truly trust if you are not willing to obey. Think of a person that you can truly trust. If they asked you to do something, what is the first thought that enters your mind? Do I have time? What will his cost me? How long will it take me? These are natural questions that might arise if someone asks a favor of us. But, if they are a real friend, a true friend, none of that matters. There is no hesitation, you respond immediately.
Can God Trust You?
What is your level of friendship to the LORD? Can He count on you? Can He ask anything of you, and know that at a moments notice you are willing to drop everything to obey Him? This is the place Abraham had come to with God. The word says, "...and it was imputed unto him for righteousness". It literally means God concluded that He could trust Abraham with anything, and therefore He reasoned that his heart was right, his motives were right, his attitude was right, therefore He is in the right condition to be called a friend of God.
Are You Willing to Obey Without Hesitation?
What kind of friend are you? Are you simply a spectator? Are you one that knows about God? Are you a follower of God? Do you go where you think He is going to be? Or, are you a friend of God? Do you have an intimate relationship with Him? Remember, complete obedience is the key. Are you willing to obey His Word, no matter what?
