Jonathan AND Nathan

             Each and every one of us needs a Jonathan and a Nathan in our lives; not one of them, but both of them. After reading 1 Sam. 18 - 20 and  2 Sam. 12:1-15  I was so encouraged as I quickly thought of the people that I have in my life that fill those roles. Jonathan was considered David’s soul companion. In 1 Sam. 18:1, scriptures tell us that Jonathan’s soul was “knit” to the soul of David. He had a deep covenant love for David. A love that would be refined by the fire that’s later depicted in the rest of chapter 18 and through the end of 20. David and Jonathan did “life” together. They endured trials together.

            I’m not sure David saw this as a blessing at the time, but the Lord sending Nathan into his life was that that; a blessing. Nathan called out sin that was evident in David’s life. He made him aware of his blind spot and held him accountable to God. We absolutely and without a doubt need someone who is loving enough and bold enough to call out sin in our lives and push us towards maturity in Jesus Christ.

            Very seldom are New Year resolutions made that involve removing people out of our lives. In fact, many resolutions are made that include making more friends and getting closer to the ones that we have. Let’s do something different this year and every year. Let’s resolve to be intentional about including a Jonathan and a Nathan into our circle. You can and will have tons of associated and good friends throughout different seasons in your life. However, you also need a circle of closer friends that you know and who know you beyond what meets the eye. An inner circle that you’re getting accountable with. I don’t mean “How was your day?” type of accountability. I mean that “What sins did you struggle with today, and what was the result?” type of accountability. An inner circle of closer friends that you pray with, study God’s word with, experience life changes with, and ultimately grow with.

            As we are prayerful and intentional about seeking out the Jonathans and Nathans of our lives we need to consider the following about the person:

1.      Are they a believer who lives a “God-first God-centered” life in which they live out a having a high view of God and regard His word as the final authority?

2.     Is their walk with the Lord consistently bearing fruit of righteousness? (Gal. 5:22-23)

3.      Is spiritual maturity evident in their life, and can it be affirmed by wise counsel? (Heb. 5:14, 1 Cor. 13:11)

4.     Are they walking with integrity? (Prov. 10:9)

5.      Are there other believers who can affirm they are a solid believer with whom you’d benefit from doing life with?

6.     What life experiences have they had affording them the opportunity to pour into your life in a particular area?

By no means should the above questions be the limit of how you go about discerning if a particular person would qualify to be a Jonathan or a Nathan in your life. These are simply character traits to consider and traits that I’ve considered when building the “inner circle” relationships that I have with the women in my life who play these roles.

There is so much to gain and so much growth that’s accomplished by having key people walk alongside you in your life with Christ. The Word of God encourages us in this way:

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise” Prov. 13:20a

“A friend loves at all times, and brother is born for adversity.” Prov. 17:17

“Better is open rebuke, than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted.”  Prov. 27:5-6a

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Prov. 27:9

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17

            Friends, do an honest inventory of those who you keep close to you. Are you growing more in the ways of the Lord as a result of their involvement in your life? If your answer is yes, Praise God! Continue to nurture these relationships and do your part of being a Jonathan and Nathan in return. If your answer is no, then make it a priority to pray and seek out individuals who will build you up, push you to maturity in the Lord, challenge your motives, and who genuinely want what’s best for you. It’s important that you also make sure to rid yourself of close friendships with people who live in a way that grieve the Spirit at work on the inside of you.

I am a companion of all those who fear, revere and worship You, and those who observe and give heed to Your precepts.”

                                                                    Ps. 119:63