Godly friendship stands out as something deeper than just meeting somebody, shaking hands, or going to a ball game together. Friendship, in the old sense of the word, means somebody is there, somebody can be trusted, somebody keeps confidence, somebody loves enough to tell the truth and help when help is needed. The life of Wendell Evans gives flesh and blood to that kind of friendship, not as a fancy kind of man, but as an Iowa farm boy who loved his bib overalls, loved the old paths, loved Jesus, and loved people.
The example of Brother Evans shows a man who stayed what he was. He went from Bob Jones to Temple to Howells Anderson, from teacher to dean to president, but the same marks stayed on him. He was an independent fundamental Baptist, King James, soul winning, separated, loyal to God, loyal to leaders, loyal to friends, loyal to the Word of God. His warning was plain, “The liberals are coming,” and his burden was just as plain, people have to be kept fundamental. The world’s standards change all the time, but God’s standard stays the same.
The old paths, in his mind, were not museum pieces. A church is built by soul winning, follow up, visiting, door to door, prayer, and doing God’s work God’s way. Methods matter because doctrine does not live in the air. Separation, standards, music, ministry, and soul winning all belong together when Jesus is the center. His line, “Make Jesus the center of your life, and the circumference will take care of itself,” gathers up the whole thing.
Friendship also means giving, not trading. First Samuel 20:4, where Jonathan says to David, “Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee,” gives the pattern. A request of a friend becomes a royal command, not because somebody is trying to get something back, but because love gives without keeping score. Marriage, family, church, and ministry all rot when giving turns into trading.
The eternal gives the final measure of it all. The Monopoly game ends, and Ford Motor Company goes back in the box. Money, titles, and being known all become worthless when a man steps onto that shore. A life spent for souls, missions, loyalty, kindness, and Jesus carries something into heaven. Brother Evans’ life says that the pull from the other side ought to get stronger every day.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Friendship means more than acquaintance [15:26] A real friend is not just somebody whose name is known or whose hand has been shaken. Friendship carries weight, confidence, help, and loyalty. The word ought to be saved for people who are truly there when counsel, prayer, correction, or sacrifice is needed. [15:26]
- 2. Loyalty stands with the right [21:10] A life can be marked by standing for “the right things and the right people.” Loyalty is not blind sentiment, and it is not throwing people under the bus when pressure comes. Godly loyalty holds fast to God, truth, friends, leaders, a mate, and the Word of God when changing would be easier. [21:10]
- 3. Jesus belongs at the center [25:57] The circumference takes care of itself when Jesus is the center. A life built around Christ does not have to chase every outside concern as though each one were ultimate. The center determines the shape of the whole life, including standards, ministry, giving, and friendship. [25:57]
- 4. Giving is not spiritual trading [35:20] Giving becomes something else when it is only a deal for blessing, payback, or advantage. True giving does not keep a ledger in marriage, church, family, or friendship. Obedience may have mixed motives, but love ought to keep growing until it gives without demanding a return. [35:20]
- 5. Eternity makes earthly prizes worthless [32:25] The end of life is like the end of a game, when all the pretend ownership goes back in the box. Bank accounts, names, influence, and possessions lose their weight at the shore of eternity. Souls, missions, obedience, and rewards in heaven are the things that still matter when the game is over. [32:25]
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