Recognize the Importance of Friends
1 Peter 5:12-14
12. With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."
Peter acknowledges the importance of Christian friends and coworkers. People are an encouragement in our lives, our work and in our faith journey. Many times, we are reminded that we are on this faith journey together; we are not alone. Peter may be a leader, but he needs Silas to put the words in ways that can be better communicated. Silas is a secretary, but he is also a fellow missionary and good friend of Paul as well as Peter. He was with Paul in the prison singing hymns following a beating.
Silas rejoiced that he could also be counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ sake. Silas witnessed the miracle of the earthquake and the breaking of the chains which became only signs of greater things. He witnessed the conversion of the jailer and his whole family and the encouragement of the Philippian church. He saw Lydia and the slave girl freed from demons.
God made us for fellowship. We need people. People need us. We are not alone in our suffering. Knowing we share these experiences encourages us and helps with peace.
Lewis Timberlake observed the California giant sequoias tress that have their roots barely below the surface. His experience was that strong trees need deep roots to withstand winds and storms. In conversation with a guide, he learned the Sequoia trees grow only in groves and their roots intertwine under the surface of the earth. So, when the strong winds come, they hold each other up.
The church body is meant to be that type of haven when the strong winds of life blow, these people can serve as reinforcement to strive together holding each other up. One purpose of the church is to become a spiritual family. Peter refers to Silas as a brother and Mark as a son. We are part of a family of God related by a common faith in Jesus Christ.
John Mark is believed to be the young man whose house it was where the Passover was held in the upper room. Perhaps through the preaching of Peter he came to faith in Christ. He was the missionary relative of Barnabas who left Paul in Cyprus, but later in life, he proved to be a faithful worker. Mark learned carefully from Peter. It is thought he wrote the gospel of Mark as the stories were passes on to him from Peter. Matthew and Luke quote much from the Gospel of Mark.
We are living in an egocentric society. The emphasis is often on taking care of oneself and forgetting about others. That is evident not only in the enormous bonuses the CEOs of companies and banks demand even in hard times, but also in the leadership of the political world.
We need to be warned to look at how we can serve the church and not how can the church serve me. There are unfortunately times when leaders and pastors use ministries for selfish ends. Too often the church attracts followers seeking individual pleasure. Local groups become competitive as to who can best serve the Christian consumer. God is not pleased.
Jesus taught, "It is more blessed to give than receive." Instead, we seek to be blessed instead of being a blessing. Part of the concept of the priesthood of the believers is that we represent God to each other also. I need you. You need me. God designed it that way. We are all called into a fellowship.
Recognize we need the help of friends. Pray today for your friends and those whom God has used to help influence your spiritual growth. Find a small group of believers with whom you can share your journey in prayer and accountability. You will grow in your faith and love.
