The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results

"The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him." These words from Harry Emerson Fosdick illuminate a profound truth that has echoed through the ages—the transformative power of friendship with the divine. Fosdick speaks not merely of casual interaction or superficial acquaintance, but of an intimate friendship, one that requires discipline, dedication, and a deep, unwavering commitment. It is through this steadfast relationship with Jesus, through the steady rhythm of daily engagement with His teachings and His presence, that men and women are transformed into His likeness. The process is not instantaneous but unfolds over time, as a person continually draws closer to the essence of Christ's love, humility, and wisdom.

In the ancient world, the relationship between teacher and disciple was one of deep significance. Plato and Socrates, for example, modeled the ideal of a mentor guiding a student not only through intellectual learning but through moral transformation. A disciple’s character was shaped by the intimate, consistent relationship with their teacher, who not only imparted knowledge but served as a living example of the ideals they espoused. This was not a distant or detached relationship but one of continuous engagement. Socrates famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living," implying that the discipline of constant reflection and dialogue was essential to becoming a better, more virtuous person. In much the same way, Fosdick’s quote suggests that the discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus serves as the pathway for individuals to be molded into the likeness of Christ, not through mere intellectual assent, but through a transformation of the soul.

Consider the example of David, the king of Israel, whose relationship with God was marked by moments of intimacy and humility. Despite his faults and failings, David is known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His Psalms are filled with expressions of deep friendship, love, and trust in God, from whom he sought not only strength but guidance in his moral journey. In his constant communion with the divine, David’s life was shaped and reshaped. Over time, his relationship with God transformed him, making him more aligned with God’s will. This transformation was not an overnight change, but a gradual, steady process of drawing nearer to the heart of God—just as Fosdick suggests, it is the discipline of such intimacy that leads to becoming like the object of one’s devotion.

The apostle Paul provides another compelling example of how a close, disciplined relationship with Christ can shape a life. In his letters, Paul often speaks of becoming more like Christ and encourages others to do the same. He writes in Romans 8:29 that God predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son. For Paul, the process of discipleship—of learning from and walking with Jesus—was a lifelong journey of transformation, where a believer gradually became more compassionate, humble, and loving, reflecting the very characteristics of Christ. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul speaks of pressing forward toward the goal of knowing Christ more deeply and becoming like Him, illustrating the steady discipline that Fosdick describes.

The lesson of Fosdick's words is clear: to truly become like Jesus, we must first embrace the path of discipline and intimacy. This is not a one-time event, but a continuous, daily practice. To live in friendship with Jesus means to follow Him, to engage deeply with His words, to reflect on His life, and to strive to live in accordance with His teachings. It means allowing His love to transform our actions, our hearts, and our minds. Like Socrates's disciples, we must be willing to commit ourselves to this relationship, allowing Jesus to shape us into His likeness over time, not by force, but by the gentle, consistent influence of His presence in our lives.

In practical terms, this might mean starting each day in prayer, seeking the guidance of Christ in our decisions, and committing to serve others in His name. It means reflecting on our actions and thoughts, constantly seeking to align them with the love, humility, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus. Through such steady practice, we become more like Him—not in appearance, but in the very essence of who we are. Fosdick challenges us to go beyond the superficial and to pursue a relationship that transforms us deeply, one that not only brings us closer to Jesus but shapes us into His image.

Let us then strive to cultivate this discipline of intimacy with Jesus, knowing that the journey will require effort, patience, and a deep commitment to His will. Like the great philosophers of old, who shaped the character of their disciples through continuous engagement, we too can be transformed by the steady rhythm of friendship with the divine. In doing so, we move ever closer to the heart of Christ, becoming more and more like Him as we walk the path of love, humility, and service. In this, we find not only the key to our own transformation but the deepest fulfillment of our human calling.