The problem with fear is that it will not go away by itself.

We typically try to just ignore fear at first but ignoring it just empowers it.

Then, we usually try to think our way around or away from fear but pondering the problems or concerns that are prompting our fears in the first place.  This, of course, doesn’t work either.  It just makes those problems seem even more insurmountable, while the fear that’s lurking in the shadows grows even stronger.

The only thing that will hold fear at bay, the only thing that will eventually arrest it, is to introduce it to something bigger.

You must trust something or, better yet, someone bigger than the things you fear to be truly free from that fear.

The real measure of spiritual maturity is not how much you know but how much you obey.

Of course, knowledge of God and His ways is essential for growth and depth, but real spiritual maturity will never exceed our level of obedience.

All too often people want more and more knowledge while actually doing less and less of it.  They confuse awareness with growth and assume that they are maturing because they’ve heard great and inspiring teachings.

We must train ourselves to not be satisfied with merely inspiration or conviction.  Those are only the starting blocks of the race.  Inspiration, conviction, even education are all wasted without corresponding action.

Don’t let a stumble near the starting line keep you from reaching the finish line.

Giving up is easy but it won’t get you where you really want to be.  Don’t give up but get up, again and again.  Get up and get moving towards your goal no matter how many times you have to dust yourself off and start again.

The truth is that getting up again and again is the only real way to get anywhere of significance.

Anybody can be your Facebook friend.  You know, somebody that wants to know what’s going on in your life without really wanting to be an actual part of your life.  But, if you’re going to develop any great friendships, real friendships, lasting friendships, then these five essential characteristics will always come into play.

1.  Loyalty

Loyalty is the first requirement of any great friendship because without it there’s just not enough time to develop any of the other characteristics.  A friend has to be loyal so that the depth of the friendship can have an opportunity to grow.  Great friends stay while others are leaving.

2.  Honesty

A real friend is going to be honest with you.  That means they’ll tell you what’s honestly going on with them as well as telling you what they honestly think about where your life is headed.  We all need friends that will speak the truth to us.  Great friends tell the truth to each other.

3.  Forgiveness

It has been said that good friends are always good forgivers and I couldn’t agree more.  No matter how much you care for each other things are inevitably going to be said or done that need to be forgiven.  Great friends forgive quickly and often.

4.  Vision

A great friend will see potential in you that others can’t or won’t.  They’ll see capabilities in you that you might not even see in yourself and help to push you to do greater things than you ever dreamed you could do.  A great friend will always be a person of vision.

5.  Support

A great friend is going to encourage you when you’re struggling.  Yes, they may have to speak some hard truths to you from time to time but they’re more eager to speak words of support and help.  They’re always there to offer a prayer, and a hand.  Great friends are always great encouragers.

As you can see, a great friend is a real treasure.  Of course, nobody can be a perfect friend but everyone can strive to be a great friend to someone.

Do you have any great friends?  Are you a great friend to anyone?

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BTW, I wrote this article in response to this Sarah Cunningham post.  Better late that never.