Wait, did you read that title correctly? Yes, you did. I didn’t forget how to spell the title for the national holiday that falls on July 4th. Rather, I’m taking another spin on things. While I’m very grateful for the independence or freedom that we Americans enjoy because of faithful servicemen placing their lives on the line, I’m also very grateful that we as the Body of Christ are called to be dependent.
I’ve heard it said that the Christian walk is the opposite of our natural walk…as babies we are completely dependent upon our parents. As we grow, we become more and more independent from them. In fact, our parents are to train us so that we can be productive and independent citizens in society. If a 40-year-old adult is living off of his parents, we would say this person is immature (to say the least!).
However, the Christian walk begins with us being independent of God and dead in our sins. Only after God causes our hearts to become alive, can we follow Him. At first, we drink spiritual milk much like a baby, but then we learn how to chew the meat of His Word. As we grow more and more in Christ, we discover who we are compared with Who He is and this results in a greater dependence upon our heavenly Father. We become humbled and realize how much more we need Him. If a long-time Believer was still drinking milk like a new Christian, we would say this person is [spiritually] immature. We must be challenged–and we must heed these challenges–so that we can truly grow up in Christ and become more and more dependent upon Him.
So, celebrate your freedom today! But, remember that the freedom we truly cherish is the one that has given us freedom from the bondage of sin. Celebrate the independence that the USA has enjoyed for so many years. But, remember to celebrate your *dependence* upon Jesus Christ each and every day of your life.
And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Romans 6: 18
If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8: 31-32
Blessings, Wendy
(This was originally published in my irregular Iron 2 Iron email newsletter, which was communicated prior to my knowledge of ‘blogs’. Gasp! Yes, that long ago. After my introduction to the world of technology, I posted this here on Iron2Iron in July 2008. Then, I thought it was worth a re-posting today. Some of the content has been slightly changed, however.)
