Eric Gilmour gives us the phrase, “snuggle, don’t struggle,” in his sermon about receiving God’s love. We need to snuggle close to God, instead of struggling. In a stressful world as a teenager, that sounds wonderful. Why is the world so stressful and such a struggle though? Because we have made everything a competition. Even in games, teens are not playing. Teens are competitive and go for the jugular, which causes extreme sports-related injuries or even arguments and deception over boyfriends or girlfriends in the social arena.
The alarming truth is that what our minds practice the most internally, comes out the most externally. People fight or manipulate or bully or gossip for internal, selfish desires. The external environment becomes toxic. Romans 8: 5-6 “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” What are fleshly desires versus spiritual desires? Fleshly desires place self as first, or seek whatever pleases the flesh. Romans 8 continues that they do not submit to the law. What does a rebellious or self-gratifying person act like? What are their actions? And, in all humility, we can see ourselves of being guilty, at some point, of the same or similar sins.
In contrast, per Romans 8: 14, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Nothing can separate us from His love (paraphrased from Romans 8: 39). We are not perfect or sinless, but we can be our best self by being with God, and emulating His type of friendship. Stay constantly in the presence of God by reading His word, and praying.
What did Jesus say about friendships? What does He say about “snuggling” with Him as a Savior and friend? Friendships are precious. Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Another version states “One who has unreliable friends, soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The friendships described in Proverbs denote dependability, loyalty, and staying by your side in all sorts of troubles. Also, as the desire is to lift up our friends, a friend seeks to be salt and light, and does not lead others down destructive paths. How do you feel about yourself around certain friends?
Forgiveness is also essential, however, do be wise in friendships. Proverbs 13:20 (MSG) “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Who are teens you look up to for their wise actions and devotion to God? Seek these people, and try to provide kindness to others. Reach out to those who are lonely. Don’t seek popularity. Don’t make fun of other people. Focus on the Family recommends being open, honest, respectful, a servant, speaker of truth, and to be a positive person. Also, FOF states, per wise King Solomon’s words, “A man that has friends must show himself as friendly.” Be friendly, positive, and just smile. 😊 You might make a big difference in someone else’s life(reminds me of that song from Song Land).
Additionally, to be intimate with Jesus, we must also love. Jesus commands us to love. John 15:13 states “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This verse describes the willingness to be a servant and put others first. The disciples, close friends of Jesus, received love as do we. The disciples then went forward in spreading the truth of the Gospel to the nations around them out of love. They, too, laid down their lives. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were, also, friends of Jesus. In one poignant scene in the Bible, Mary washes Jesus’ feet with fragrance. Gilmour described them sharing the same fragrance. Mary knew time was short, and wanted to be close or intimate with Jesus. To be close with someone, we have to spend time with them alone. John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” Be intimate to hear God’s voice. Be alone with Him. Make it a priority daily to come to His feet, and feel His peace and power, and hear His sweet whispers to you in the quiet per Gilmour. Priscilla Shirer, in the movie War Room, makes herself a prayer closet. Where do you pray? Do you have a special place to spend time alone with God? Make a special place today, and don’t let this distractful and competitive world keep you from being with God. Snuggle with Him.
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