Make Sure People Have Values in Equality Before You Consider Making Them a Close Friend
Equality is a good trait to look for because there is no better way to destroy a close friendship than always competing for something you both want.
If this is the case, then you have made an error in judgment and mistakenly put “just a friend” in your world’s close inner circle when he or she belongs as “just a friend.”
I have seen many people struggle with this, especially when they have been friends since school. In their later years, when one becomes more financially successful than the other, the “trying to keep up with the Joneses” syndrome creeps in.
And yet, I have seen others for whom the difference in status has not changed a thing. This can be the difference between being loyal and not being loyal. Sometimes in these circumstances you truly find out which is which.
You need to look at each other as equals regardless of wealth, size, height, color or religion. If you cannot, then you must disregard them as a friend. There is no need to continue a friendship just because you have a history together.
Your past is your past, but this is now, and it’s the only time you have, so live in the now. Most people find it a challenge to move away from friends when they have known them for such a long time but do not get along with them anymore. They just complain and put up with the difficulties and think they need to prolong the friendship for that reason alone.
But I am here to tell you that when anyone does not serve you well anymore, it’s time to say your goodbyes and wish them well.
I want to share an anonymous poem I read once, many years ago, that profoundly changed the way I looked at life, particularly friends and relationships. I have it framed in my study and read it over regularly; I encourage you to do the same. It puts everything in perspective:
“One of Life’s Best Lessons”
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime
When you figure out which it is.
You know exactly what to do
When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually
They may seem like a Godsend. And they are
They are there for the reason you need them to be
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end
Sometimes they may just walk away
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand
Sometimes they pass away
What we must realize is, that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled Their work is done
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on
When people come into our life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow and learn
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh
They may teach you something you may have never done before
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy
Believe it!
It is real!
But only for a season
– Unknown
There is no reason to be concerned if your lifelong close friendships suddenly begin to fade away. It is all part of God’s plan, and it opens a new door for someone else to walk through who will be a special companion to you.
