We love the idea of loyalty in friendships. Showing up. Staying committed. Being there when it matters. And that’s good. I would go so far as to say it's actually necessary. Everyone needs loyal and faithful friends.
But is there a depth to our relationships that often goes unrealized? Is there something beyond faithfulness and loyalty that God would have us become? Not only do we see this in scripture, we also see it in one of my favorite books and movies...
The Hobbit.
In Tolkien's famous story, Bilbo Baggins is underestimated. The dwarves doubt him. Their leader calls him weak and unnecessary. Yet over time, Bilbo’s courage and faithfulness reshape the entire group. And when the moment of crisis comes, he’s the one who steps forward and saves the leader who once doubted him.
Who you walk with shapes who you become.
Scripture echoes this truth repeatedly. Proverbs urges us to walk with the wise. Hebrews tells us to encourage one another daily so our hearts don’t harden. The early church is built on unity. Friends lower a paralyzed man through a roof because they believe Jesus can heal him.
But here’s where it gets uncomfortable.
In Mark 8, Peter boldly declares Jesus as the Messiah. He is loyal. Faithful. Present. Jesus, their powerful leader, has begun talking about the cross. About how he must suffer and die. No parables. No metaphors. At least that's how I read it. And Peter pulls Jesus aside and rebukes Him.
"Jesus, this isn't right."
"This isn't the way things are supposed to go."
"Stop talking like this."
And Jesus responds with shocking clarity: “Get behind me, Satan.”
Peter wasn’t rebellious. He was protective. He loved Jesus. But he was trying to guard Jesus from hardship instead of trusting God’s plan. Peter wasn’t evil. He’s not being toxic. He’s not rebellious or blatantly ungodly. He’s the voice that says, “Bro, that’s too extreme. You don’t need to take that that seriously. You don’t need to give that much. You don’t need to obey God like thaaaat. You don’t need to risk that. You don’t need to step out. You’re fine right here.”
And that right there is the voice that doesn’t have much faith.
“You’re fine right here.” That’s faith nominal. A faith-empty voice. It doesn’t call you higher or invite you to pray. It doesn’t remind you who God is or strengthen resolve. It just exists. They are faithful. But they aren’t faith-filled.
Peter was faithful. But he wasn’t faith-filled. And there lies the difference.
A faithful voice isn’t always a faith-filled voice.
A faithful friend says, “I’m here for you.” A faith-filled friend says, “Trust God. Step forward. Don’t shrink back.”
What do the voices sound like in your life? Are they faith-filled? What kind of voice are you becoming to the people around you?
Be faithful to the people God has put in your life. But don't stop there. Become a faith-filled friend, willing to inspire people forward as they trust God.
