John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you.

Jesus encourages his disciples in John 15, that He is “upgrading” their relationship from slave (servant) to friend. The significance of this announcement was not immediately understood. In fact I wonder if it is still lost on many of His friends today?

Being a friend is entirly different from being a slave (servant). Servants don’t ask many questions they simple follow instructions. Friends on the other hand are in the “know.” The type of relationship that we are in with someone determines how we think, what we expect, and what we experience in and from that relationship.

Jesus came to announce to us that He is our Friend, a friend that is actually closer than a brother. We don’t chose our brothers or sisters, but friends are chosen. Jesus chose us! He has chosen to love us with a love that is beyond our wildest dreams.

Jesus has upgraded our relationship, but many times we have not changed our thinking to align with our new identity as a Friend, and son of God. Our thinking often times blocks the Favor of the Father from being manifested in our daily lives.

Paul encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” (Romans 12:2). He challenges us to “bring every thought captive, and into the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

God is thinking good, generous and graceful thoughts about us. He is working all things together for our good. He is bringing us into good success.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Contary to what so much of the religious community says, God has great plans for you. Jesus has announced that you are no longer a slave but that you are His Friend.

Maybe today is the day that you change your thinking!  

If you want to listen to the sermon I just preached about Restoring Your Thinking, visit fathershouse.net/archive or download The Father’s House podcast on Apple Podcasts.