Pursuing
the Friendship
with God
by Linda Van Fleet
After the clock strikes 12, the confetti falls, the toasts are given and the celebration draws to its end, comes
that time of year when we generally examine ourselves and ask, “What can I do to improve myself in this coming year?” Chances are we make a list of goals we’d like to achieve, aptly named, “New Year Resolutions” and
sincerely determine to keep them.
Alas, rarely do we follow through with our resolute to “do this” or “stop that.” We laugh it off because in
truth we knew, even as we penned the resolutions with all good intentions, it was another stab at the impossible
dream and we know we’ll try again next year and the next, and the next ad infinitum.
Why do we keep trying? Perhaps it is because our focus is drastically wrong. Rather than focusing on what
we can do to improve our circumstances or ourselves, perhaps a quantum shift toward the “holy thing” is required. It is when we focus on the holy that earthly things seem to fall into place. What if this year’s resolution
lists held only one item: “This year I resolve to pursue God for no other reason except to fellowship with Him in
order that I may truly know Him and be called His friend.”
Imagine what would happen if every Christian resolved to actively pursue more of the Christ who died for
us; to yearn for His presence in our lives more than we want the things He provides; to become like Abraham, a
friend of God. (James 2:23). How would that change us individually? Collectively? What kind of impact would
those changes have on the world around us – our families, our social circles, our communities, and our
churches?
Some would respond, it couldn’t be done, that there’s no way to get “more” of Christ. On the other hand,
A. W. Tozer said, “We have as much of God as we actually want.” Ouch. It really boils down to what we truly
want, doesn’t it? Because Jesus himself said, “… keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on
seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9). The real
question is, do you really, really, really want more of God in your life? Do you fervently desire a closer walk with
Jesus? Enough to ask and keep on asking? Enough to hunger and thirst after him as the deer pants for the water?
If so, and you set your heart to do so, as the ultimate New Year’s resolution, you can expect it to be fulfilled. You
have His word on it.
In his book, The Incredible Christian, A.W. Tozer provided seven simple concepts that reveal a true test of
what is truly in a person’s heart.
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