In two weeks, Nellie Jo and I will once again have a dog in the home. It’s been five years since the death of our sixteen-year old dog, so we are ready. At least we think we’re ready.

The newest canine Rainer is a five-month old lab and golden retriever mix. He comes to us from an elderly lady in the Dallas Metroplex. She just has been unable to handle a large dog, so we were recommended as a good family. Did I mention that I think we’re ready for this dog?

His name is, predictably, Marley. He supposedly is house broken and a summa cum laude graduate of obedience school (okay, the summa cum laude part is an exaggeration).  So we are ready. Yeah, that’s right. We’re ready.

People have reminded me that a dog is a man’s best friend. And as a true lover of dogs, I agree that they can be great companions.

But Marley will not be my best friend.

Nellie Jo, Sam, Art, and Jess are my best friends. And I have been blessed with many great friends outside the Rainer family. They are better friends than any dog.

This past week I have been reminded of the precious gift of friends. A few phone calls and some emails brought me encouragement and joy.

And I remember how friends have been there for me in the tough times. Loss of my parents. Nellie Jo’s cancer. Struggles with decisions. My friends were always there for me.

God allowed me this week to minister to friends. Two of those friends lost their jobs, and I found myself on the giving side of friendship. That was a blessing for me since, more often than not, I am on the receiving side.

Paul is my favorite biblical character. I love his boldness. I love the way he got right to the point. I love the way he spoke his mind. We have no doubt where Paul stood on issues, and we have no doubt how he felt.

As Paul was anticipating his death, he spoke of his demise as a departure. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close" (2 Timothy 4:6, HCSB). What did Paul seek in his last days? What was among the most important priorities he had?

Friends.

He wanted Timothy to come see him. He was joyous because Luke was with him. He longed to see Mark again. He sent greetings to Prisca and Aquila. He sent greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.

Friends were vitally important in his waning life.

A few months ago a friend confronted me in Christian love. He told me that I had become increasingly withdrawn from my circle of friends. He told me that my work and life balance was messed up. He told me that I needed to change.

He was right.

I now have a renewed appreciation for my friends. I see even more what a blessing from God friends are to me. Though I undoubtedly have a long way to go, I do think that I have made progress.

Thank God for friends who tell me the truth.

Yeah, I’m still looking forward to getting a dog. And I anticipate that I will hear friends speak of "Marley and me" often.

But I do know where this man’s best friends really are. They are in the brothers and sisters in Christ who love me, care for me, and keep me accountable. For them I am forever grateful.

But I still can’t wait for Marley to arrive! 

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Thom Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, and for 15 years prior to that led a church and denominational consulting firm. He is the author of 21 books. His latest, "Simple Life," will be released later this summer.