Family is immutable. That institution is inherently rigid. Nothing can change your Dad from being your Dad. That, to me, is what separates friendship from family. I point this out because I share many of the same sentiments that you expressed in this post -- that is, about laying down your life for your friends, friends being able to do things for you that your family cannot, etc.
Friendship is extremely important to me. I think the Bible supports the idea you bring up about friendships being able to cross into the sublime. Our greatest commandment says to love the Lord and our neighbor. Christ tells us that greater love has no man than he who sacrifices himself for his friend.
So, as far as the ten commandments superseding all of our other charges, I think that is bogus.
I heard a sermon once that has really stuck with me. There is a check on many of the Christian commandments, and without both ends being upheld, dissent occurs. The commandment you're struggling with is one that was specifically mentioned in said sermon. It mentioned children honoring their parents, but it was cross referenced with the following verse:
Colossians 3:21 (NASB) Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.
Having one without the other abandons the Divine touch and application to our lives that the scripture teaches us to uphold.
Are you being un-Christian? No, no I don't think so. I've been accused of being un-Christian plenty of times, and it always felt very strange. For someone to suggest that their understanding of the the G-d of the universe and His plan and character is so flawless that they can tell you that you have it all wrong... it just seems so arrogant and short-sighted.
Friendship is extremely important to me. I think the Bible supports the idea you bring up about friendships being able to cross into the sublime. Our greatest commandment says to love the Lord and our neighbor. Christ tells us that greater love has no man than he who sacrifices himself for his friend.
So, as far as the ten commandments superseding all of our other charges, I think that is bogus.
I heard a sermon once that has really stuck with me. There is a check on many of the Christian commandments, and without both ends being upheld, dissent occurs. The commandment you're struggling with is one that was specifically mentioned in said sermon. It mentioned children honoring their parents, but it was cross referenced with the following verse:
Colossians 3:21 (NASB) Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.
Having one without the other abandons the Divine touch and application to our lives that the scripture teaches us to uphold.
Are you being un-Christian? No, no I don't think so. I've been accused of being un-Christian plenty of times, and it always felt very strange. For someone to suggest that their understanding of the the G-d of the universe and His plan and character is so flawless that they can tell you that you have it all wrong... it just seems so arrogant and short-sighted.
Keep the faith, brother. Love always.
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