"Questions to consider" (on friendships)

"What are some of my favorite things to do with my closest friend? Are those things drawing us both closer to Christ, or are they causing us to become more fascinated with the world?"

"What are some new things I could do with that friend that would serve to more intentionally promote a Christ-centered relationship?"

"Is it weird to discuss spiritual things with my best girlfriend? If so, how can I purposefully seek to bring Christ into our conversations?"

"What (or who) am I left dwelling on after a coffee date with a kindred spirit? Is it God? If not, what are we talking about instead? Does it have eternal value?"

"What is the normal tone of the conversations I have with friends? Is it made up mostly of sarcastic comments, silly remarks, and shallow chatter? Or is there a heavenly substance and honorable attitude?"

"When two people are following hard after Christ, the substance of their friendship will flow out of that relationship. God does not intend for us to take time off from being a Christian when spending time with our friends. Everything we do, alone or with others, ought to lift high the person of Jesus Christ, that He alone might be seen and glorified."  

Excerpt from Set-Apart Friendships.