“Know thyself” is a famous saying among philosophers, but it is equally important to know your friends.
In seventh grade, I was the third best in my class, but in the eighth grade, a boy suddenly ingratiated himself in my little group of friends. We were a competitive lot. This guy gradually took my place. I didn’t study him, find his purpose for becoming my friend, or learn his agenda. But when I dropped three times over, I understood why he had joined us.
Amid the storm, the shipmaster and crew inquired about Jonah’s origin. They were minutes from death and had thrown their merchandise overboard, but the storm never ceased. So, finally, they asked Jonah about his origin and identity.
We should discover the identity of those with whom we live life. Then, when we do, we can move ahead with confidence in them.
Once, Jesus was also in a storm with His disciples. We see a unique juxtaposition between that event and Jonah’s experience. The disciples trusted Christ and each other, but Jonah’s mates didn’t trust him. We don’t have to cast lots when we know our friends.
Are you on a journey with strangers you thought were your friends? Find out about those with whom you spend time. Then pray for God to send the right people to you as friends.
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
John is a reader, speaker, and writer, who is based in Nigeria, where he majors in English. He is the author of Letter to Santa.