Day 20: T is for Teamwork

   When it comes to Christianity and deepening their relationship with Jesus, many people feel like they need to do it alone. They think, Well if I can just get over this sin, if I can just do better at this, maybe talking to Jesus will be easier; maybe I'll finally have a relationship with Him. But I'm going to be honest with you: you can't do it alone.
   We are the Church. We are the body of Christ. We are a family, and we're in this together. So why do we think we need to do it alone, when there are so many people willing to help us?
   St. Thomas Aquinas once said, "There is nothing on earth more prized than true friendship," and I know this to be true. You see, for a friendship to be true, it must have love. And if love is not just a feeling, but is also willing the greatest good for someone, then we should be working to bring our friends to heaven. After all, heaven is the greatest good there will ever be.
   This is why we must choose our friendships carefully. We might be having so much fun with someone that we don't realize they're taking us down a path we never meant to go down. If we're truly to be good friends, we must fight for one another's souls.
   I've been extremely blessed in having amazing friends. I even have two small groups of girlfriends that get together and study the bible or a Christian book, and I can't tell you how much they've helped me. Having people joyfully carry their crosses right along side you will make it so much easier.
   Tonight I challenge you to take a good long look at all of your friendships. If there is anyone who has pressured you into sinning in any way, it's time to let them go. In the end, the amount of fun you had won't make up for the sadness you'll feel when you can't be with God. And make sure you cherish the friendships that are bringing you closer to Jesus, because they will help you reach the eternal happiness that we're all searching for.