You Got A Friend In Me
Stewarding Friendships with Wisdom
If you’ve ever watched Toy Story, you know the iconic song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”—a sweet reminder that, in times of joy or difficulty, a true friend is someone you can always count on. We all want friends like that, don’t we? We long for the kind of connection that makes us feel seen, valued, and loved, a bond that says, “You’ve got a friend in me” no matter what life throws at us. But have you ever stopped to think about what it takes to steward those friendships well? To not just have friends, but to be a wise friend, and to pray for the wisdom to nurture and protect those relationships according to God’s will? We often pray for friends, desiring companionship and support, but sometimes we forget to pray for the wisdom and grace to steward those friendships well. God doesn't just call us to have friends—He calls us to be friends who reflect His heart, His love, and His character. And, just as importantly, He calls us to walk alongside friends who are headed in the same direction. In this post, let’s explore the importance of stewarding friendships wisely, the power of being aligned with friends who share your values, and how to evaluate and cultivate friendships that honor God.
How often do we pray for friends? Most of us pray for companionship, encouragement, and people to share our lives with. We want people who laugh with us, cry with us, and stand by our side in hard times. But here’s a question worth considering: Do we pray for wisdom to steward these relationships in a way that honors God?
Proverbs 27:17 says:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
—Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
In our friendships, we are called not only to be a source of comfort but also to sharpen one another, to challenge one another, and to grow together in our faith. But how can we effectively sharpen our friends if we haven’t prayed for the wisdom and discernment to know how to encourage them in the right ways?When we fail to pray for the wisdom to steward our friendships, we risk falling into the trap of superficial relationships, ones that don’t deepen or help us grow into who God has called us to be. We might be so focused on “having friends” that we overlook the responsibility of being a godly friend—a friend who encourages, confronts in love, listens well, and points to Christ.
In James 1:5, we are reminded:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
—James 1:5 (NKJV)
If we desire strong, healthy friendships that honor God, we must pray for wisdom—wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen, when to encourage and when to challenge, and when to step back and give space for growth. While praying for wisdom to steward friendships is essential, another crucial aspect of healthy relationships is ensuring that we are walking alongside people who are on the same path. In Toy Story, Woody and Buzz may come from different backgrounds, but they share a common goal: to stick together, to help each other, and to stay faithful to the mission. The same applies to our friendships—while we can have friends from all walks of life, the most meaningful and spiritually fruitful relationships will be with those who are on the same path of faith.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul advises:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
—2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)
This passage doesn’t mean we should avoid people who don’t share our faith—it simply emphasizes that the deepest, most spiritually transformative relationships are those that align with God’s purposes. When we are yoked together with others who share the same values and mission, we are better equipped to walk out God’s will for our lives. When our friends are following the same path, they can support us in ways that reflect our shared commitment to Christ. They help us stay accountable, remind us of God’s promises, and encourage us to keep moving forward, even when the journey is tough.
So how do we evaluate and cultivate friendships that align with God’s will? Here are some key points to reflect on:
1. Do Your Friends Point You to Christ?
Evaluate your friendships by asking this question: Do your friends encourage you to grow in your faith? Do they challenge you to live a life that honors God? Friendships are meant to be mutual sources of encouragement, and we should seek relationships that inspire spiritual growth.
2. Are You Being a Wise Steward of These Friendships?
Think about how you are stewarding your friendships. Are you investing in them with the love, care, and wisdom that they deserve? Proverbs 18:24 reminds us:
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
—Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
Are you being the kind of friend who sticks close, who sharpens, who prays for your friends? Take time to reflect on how you can be a better steward of the friendships God has entrusted to you.
3. Are Your Friendships Helping You Stay on the Right Path?
Think about your current circle. Are your friends pushing you to pursue God’s will for your life, or are they leading you down a path of compromise? Surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep your eyes on Christ and stay committed to His purposes.
A Final Thought: Cultivating Friendships with Purpose
The beauty of friendship is that it isn’t just about companionship—it’s about growing together and supporting one another as we pursue Christ. It’s about sharpening each other, challenging each other, and ultimately walking the road of life with others who are committed to the same mission. But this takes intentionality. It takes wisdom. And it takes prayer.
As you move forward, I encourage you to take time to evaluate your friendships. Pray for the wisdom to steward them well, and seek friends who are walking in the same direction as you. Don’t just ask God for friends—ask Him to help you be a wise and faithful friend.