Why do we value independence so much? Maybe it is because our country was founded by declaring independence from another country? It could be due to the fact that much of our society is based on personal liberty? Whatever the reason it is appearant to me that individualism is a value that ingrained. There are many wonderful aspects of independence that I would promote, however, this post is more about the problems that can come from independence.
It is out of a sense of personal independence that can cause a couple not to seek counseling until their marriage near ruin. Independence keeps us from falling to our knees in prayer the first instant we encounter problems. Personal independence can hinder unity in the church.
Let me make a point for dependence. When the founding fathers declared independence from England they depended on the American people to join together and fight. As a nation we have had to come together to protect our personal liberties. Much more can be accomplished in a group than individually. For example, two horses can pull about 9,000 pounds. How many pounds can four horses pull? The arithmetical response is 18,000. Sounds reasonable – but it's wrong! Four horses can actually pull over 30,000 pounds (http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/synergy.html). Depending on each other can be a very good and very productive thing.
The Bible says that Satan is a "roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). I have seen enough nature shows to know that you want to be in a herd when predators are around. It is the animal that gets separated from the pack who is at the most risk.
Ok, this is my point about dependence. Next post we are going to look at what happens when the pendulum swings too far the other direction- when dependence becomes and unhealthy thing.
1 comment:
We are capable of making decisions for ourselves rendering us independant thinkers and doers.
Whenever we make decisions which put our own will in front of God's will (immature independance), than we can expect failure in the long run. In our independant decsions, we need to maintain an attitude of "thy will be done (mature independance)" instead of "my will be done (immature independance)".
What we can depend upon is God's mercy. Our salvation is completely dependant upon God's mercy thru our faith in Jesus Christ. "It (personal salvation)does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy (Rom 9:16)", and "For if the inheritance (receiving God's righteousness)depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise (the promise of being credited as righteous thru faith); but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise (Gal 3:18)."
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