We are five good friends who’ve known each other since primary school. We still keep in touch regularly, and of course, we have a WhatsApp group where we regularly bombard each other with silly jokes and funny comments. One of us emigrated to Australia, but every time he’s back in the country, we arrange a get-together. Then it is playtime from start to finish. On our Australian friend’s previous visit, we went to Stil Bay. We had little rest, but a lot of fun! 

It’s the kind of friendship where everyone is real, and no one tries to prove anything. Even if someone has a bit more money, it doesn’t matter. We’re just ourselves. And when we’re together, it feels like break time in primary school – laughing, playing and just being kids again, just like before. 

When our wives hear what we do when we hang out, they’re usually grateful they stayed home. They just shake their heads and say: “You’re crazy”. And to be honest – they are right. 

It’s not that we’re naughty; it’s just … well, a lot of what we do is better suited to a primary school break than an adult gathering.  

I realised again how differently people behave in different groups. You say and do certain things in one group that you’d rather not say and do in another. In church, you are quiet and respectful. And if you were to visit the King of England, you would probably just give a respectful nod and sort of glance up at the guy with the crown. 

One could probably sum it up by saying that the circumstances you find yourself in determine your behaviour. Besides that, it seems to me that much of our behaviour doesn’t actually change when we’re in the presence of the Almighty King. 

Today, this truth hits me like a bucket of cold water again. 24As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. 

Do you realise that the almighty God lives inside you? He gave you His Holy Spirit to guide you on the right path and help you do good things. 

Wow, when that truth hits me, I feel so small. Because I know – I don’t always live as if I’m in the presence of a King. 

Acting around my wife like I do my friends doesn’t always go over well. And if I live as if God isn’t close, it can probably be uncomfortable for Him to be inside me too. 

God wants us to be genuine, not to pretend or be unnatural. You and I just have to make sure that our authenticity is something that is right for Him. The knowledge of God’s presence within us should change our way of life. Our actions should clearly show that God is living inside us. 

Scripture
1 John 3:19-24 

Reflection
Do my friendships show that God lives in me?
Do I obey God’s commands, even when I’m with my friends?
Do I help my friends live closer to God? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for living in me. There is comfort in knowing I’m never alone. But I sometimes feel guilty when I do things that aren’t right. Please help me to live a life that honours You and shows that I belong to You. Amen.