“Just Friends”

Written by — Anna Romuald, Associate Chaplain for Campus Ministries

“I have decided to follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus.”

Each time the lines from that old familiar hymn come to mind, I’m struck with a deeper conviction. At another time in my life I would have just sang the lines because everyone else was. I would have mocked the composer for running out of lyrics to the point where he was left to repeat himself tirelessly. But now, there is new meaning to this worn tune. I’ve realized its lyrical lines emphatically describe the journey of my relationship with Christ — an initial decision, a deeper conviction and a steadfast devotion. This song is not sung to convince yourself of your choice, rather, song to declare your decision to the world passionately and unashamedly.

Kyle Idleman writes, “The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them,” (Not a Fan, 25). What about you?

Are you and Jesus just friends with benefits, or have you decided to follow Him with the expressed interest that He interferes with your life, changes things and transforms the brokenness that currently exists.

John 3 records the story of a man named Nicodemus, a religious leader, who has been a secret admirer of Christ’s for some time. Verse two says, “After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous sings are evidence that God is with you.’”

Nicodemus knows Jesus — at least he is familiar with His teachings and healings, His power and love and compassion — but he had not personally experienced the transforming power of Christ in his life. And so, “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Has following Jesus cost you anything? It did Nicodemus. It does me. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it,” (Matthew 10:39). Are you willing to let Jesus interfere with your life, change you, transform you? Are you willing to loose something in order to gain everything?