Today I would like to talk about the way we have “groomed” ourselves to become dependent on family and friends to always be there for us; in other words, “Have our backs!” If you’re not familiar with the context in which I used the word “groomed”, I’ll refer to Webster’s definition – To train oneself for a particular trait. We have put our trust in ones we feel love us and will never forsake us, while in actuality we are setting ourselves up for a huge disappointment a lot of the time.

From birth we have put our trust in others; hospital staff to birth and provide care to newborns, parents to provide and protect us and even spouses and children taking care of loved ones, especially as they age. A lot of us have come to expect the same devotedness from our close friends.

Realistically, people have their own lives and can’t always be there when we need them. And let’s face it, everyone is going to die with no timeline showing when. Psalms 27:10, believed to have been written by David, tells of how we can be assured that God will never forsake us;”When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Parents usually are the nearest and dearest friends one has in the world. From them we expect comfort and relief in our times of need. When they are distant, unable to help or even when they die; our desire for them to offer the comfort we need, leaves us feeling as orphans, Helpless!

How about other family members; Psalms 69:8,” I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien to my mother’s children.” We can’t always expect family and friends to be there. We need to put our trust and faith in the Lord who will never forsake us; Hebrews 13:5,” Let your conversation be without covetousness; And be content with such things as you have: For He hath said,’ I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’” Being content with what you have and not being selfish towards others as implied through the writer’s words let’s one know that God will never abandon you but rather provide.

This doesn’t mean you can never ask or receive help from others; just don’t “Count on it.” The greatest commandments told by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus said unto him (a Pharisee), ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’” If we follow these two commandments we are not only being reverent to God and pleasing Him, but also bettering our lives here on earth and for eternity. Loving your neighbor like yourself tells me it’s okay to need assistance at times from people we are close to. However remember, that’s the second greatest law. The first is to devote our all to God. This ensures us of living this life as God intended, as well as providing us a paradise (Heaven) when we leave this sinful world we know of as just our temporary home.

Follow these two greatest commandments given by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, and understand that friendship is a “two-way street.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or sometimes even put your life on a brief pause, to help someone that really needs it.

Admit to God you’re a sinner, believe in the resurrection and crucifixion of Jesus, ask God for forgiveness and fellowship with Him through scripture and prayer. Love your fellow brothers and sisters, but don’t forget to love those who don’t know God even more. Be willing to lend and/or receive a helping hand, never forgetting the One that always “Has your back!” – God.

God bless all!

 

Jeff Long lives in Salisbury.