Love Day #24: The Inner Circle
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” — John 15:15 (NIV)
THE JOURNEY
I worked for a CEO once who was brilliant but terrifying. We called him “Mr. Stone.” Every morning, I would place a briefing dossier on his desk. I knew his schedule. I knew his coffee order (black, two sugars). I knew his signature. But I didn’t know him.
I was a good servant. I did what I was told. But if I had asked him, “Hey, how are you feeling about your son going to college?” he would have fired me. Servants don’t ask about the Master’s heart; they just execute the Master’s will.
Then, one late night, we were the only two left in the office. A major deal had just fallen through. Mr. Stone walked out of his office, loosened his tie, and sat on the edge of my desk.
“David,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “I’m worried.”
He proceeded to tell me about the pressure he was under. He asked for my opinion—not just on the data, but on the ethics of the situation. He treated me like a partner.
In that twenty-minute conversation, everything changed. I stopped working for him and started working with him. I didn’t just want to avoid his anger anymore; I wanted to help him succeed because I cared about him. The dynamic shifted from transaction to affection.
Heart of the Matter
Most of us are stuck in the “Servant” phase with God. We think, I go to church. I give money. I follow the rules. God is the Boss, and I am the employee.
But Jesus shatters this in John 15. He says, “I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends.”
This is a staggering demotion for Him and a promotion for us. The Creator of the Universe wants to hang out.
Here is the dynamic: You love God by listening to His heart, not just His orders. You stop treating prayer like a punch-clock. You ask, “Lord, what breaks Your heart today? What are You doing in my neighborhood? How can I partner with You?” He loves you back by letting you in on the secrets. He shares His “business” with you. He gives you insight, wisdom, and burdens that He only trusts to His friends. He treats you as a confidant.
Faith in Action
How do you talk to your best friend? You probably don’t use a formal voice or read a list of requests.
The Challenge: Today, have a “coffee break” with God.
- Don’t ask for anything.
- Don’t confess anything (yet).
- Just talk. Tell Him a joke. Tell Him about the weird dream you had. Ask Him what He thinks about the sunset.
- Treat Him like He is sitting in the passenger seat of your car.
Prayer for the Day
Jesus, what a privilege to be called Your friend. I confess that I often keep You at a distance, treating You like a Manager instead of a Companion. Today, I cross the line. I want to know Your heart. I want to know what makes You smile and what makes You weep. Thank You for opening the door to the inner circle. I am not just a servant; I am Your friend. Amen.
LOVE Note
“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson