A friend is someone we know, like and trust. It goes without saying that a friend is someone we have known for some period of time because trust isn't something that comes quickly. Trust is time dependent. When plotted against time trust is always positive and it's almost a necessity that trust increases in time.
In college the fraternity pledge class had what was called "FUPA's" It took several accomplishments to gain credibility as a "brother", but one screw up erased ten accomplishments. When a person received a FUPA his brother potential was in question until more accomplishments were logged. Usually, when an employee deals with the boss the same rules apply, it's just not a written standard! The accumulation of accomplishments and the absence of FUPA's create trust and the pledge or employee are more likely to become a fraternity brother or promoted (in the case of the latter example).
A person is usually not advanced until someone trusts that they have the integrity or performance to be elevated. A trusted person is well thought of. If a person fails once even, then the person's reputation is at stake. Someone who never fails you as a friend is the most trusted! However, since we're all human, a friend may fail us. Then we are called to forgive that person. It depends on the depth of the breech of trust on how easy it is to forgive, but even with forgiveness the trust has already been jeopardized.
How many friends do you really completely trust? About the best I can come up with is that I can somewhat trust four or five friends. That's pretty good considering some friends are often late, sometimes forget, may offer weak support or may even do something wrong against me! There is one friend which I have who is always there, never forgets unless it's forgetting the bad I do, supports me with a firm foundation, and isn't even capable of doing wrong. My one true unfailing friend is best described by the song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"! Corny? Maybe, but true!
- What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer! - Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer. - Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there. - Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
1. We can count on him to help bear our burdens.
2. He offers peace.
3. He encourages us.
4. Jesus is faithful.
5. He shares our sorrows.
6. He helps us in our weakness.
7. He's our refuge.
8. He comforts us.
9. He protects us.
10. He suffers for us.
11. He provides hope.
12. He is our joy.
The song recounts only a few ways that we can trust Jesus! Trust (reliability) implies truth, integrity, soundness, invariability and safety! He's our only friend which we can count on to be these things.
1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."
It's more than the "saying" that is trustworthy. It can be trusted because it points toward truth. That truth is "that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!" Why else would he come? There is no other reason. Paul said "of whom I am the foremost". That can be said of all of us! My friend whom I trust is Jesus.
What do you trust? Most people put their trust in science, knowledge, self, others, their firearm and even used car salesmen. You can pretty well say that "Honest Dave's Pawn" can be trusted. Honesty and integrity isn't gained by slogans, but by righteous action. If the activity of Jesus is examined, he never lied, he never sinned and he never failed in anything. What's more he loves everyone and wants what's best for all. The only full trust I have is in Jesus. He never fails. He provides true hope. Faith in him is the source of joy!
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