What a friend we have in Jesus.
We've all heard the tune. We can relate to it, too. In times of trouble, and when we need someone to turn to, we know that Christ is there. He is our friend.
And so, in real life, when we suffer loss, or need to borrow the lawnmower, or just want to discuss whatever worries are on our mind, we call (or text, or Facebook) our most appropriate friend. It's what we do.
So why then, do we insist on labeling one another as a "Brother" or "Sister" in Christ? What magic meaning do these terms have that cannot be communicated by the embraced and accepted term of "friend"?
The picture of a family of believers is one that Christianity wants us to live. And why not? With a perfect father in heaven, it would only make sense that we would be like little siblings, here on Earth, The analogy of brotherhood and sisterhood is supported by Scripture; you often here Paul referring to other believers as his Brothers and Sisters.
But have you honestly considered what a relationship with a bro is sis is really like? To be honest, very few of us would call our sibling before we would ring up that companion to borrow the mower. Our falling out with brothers and sisters seems more common than bad endings with friends.
As a society we do little to place importance on the concept of siblings. As a homeschool mom, I am repeatedly telling my littles that the relationship with their brothers and sister is one of the single most important relationship they will have on Earth. My husband and I made a vow to have the children always put each other first. Before friends they make at activities. Before boyfriends and girlfriends. Before Facebook friends.
And so far, they do love one another very much. They miss each other when they are apart. When they need advice or want to laugh, they go to one another. This is very much unlike what I experienced as a child (with an only sister who really didn't seem to like me very much.)
So in this world, with my 6 kids, I would be very much OK with reinforcing the "Brother and Sister in Christ" thing. Because treating someone as your brother -- in my home -- is good. But this is not how much of the world does it.
In fact, when I first became a Christian, I struggled. A lot. I would go to church on the weekends, and debate which party I should get drunk at during the week. (Yes, the week.) I was lonely, had just learned about this amazing Christ, and was told that I had a great big loving church family who would treat me like a brother or sister! What could be better than that?
Actually, it was very depressing. Sundays were filled with sermons, and potlucks, and side-hugs, and strangers I had never met before smiling and saying over and over how I was "God's child" and super "valuable."
But the week came, and I would need someone to hang out with on a Tuesday night. And all those people from church were busy with their "friends." Why wasn't I considered one of those?
So I learned quickly that friendship was a free will thing. You could choose who you wanted to be friends with. You did it with people you enjoyed and wanted to be around.
Siblings on the other hand.... those were by luck of the draw. They were inclusive of anyone who prayed the sinner's prayer. They were a collection of people you didn't always like much but whom you could shake hands with (or side-hug), share a piece of BBQ with and read the book of Timothy to. But never to invite to your daughter's sweet 16, or take along to see the new Lord of the Rings movie, or call on a Tuesday night to see "what's up." That was a friendship thing.
And so now, when I see an email from someone who I barely know with their automated Gmail siggy parroting "Your Brother in Christ"... I kind of get bummed out.
Cause I'm guessing that we will never actually ever really be friends.
We have a friend in Jesus. Jesus would be a friend. Let's start being friends to those who need Jesus and friendship.
Brother and sisters really can -- and should -- make the best friends. (Just ask my kids.)
