In the
US, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up;
beaches are packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays,
picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4,
1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence.
Independence appeals
to all ages. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of
others.” So it’s not surprising that teenagers talk about gaining their
independence. Many adults have the goal of being “independently wealthy.” And
senior citizens want to maintain their independence. Whether anyone is ever
truly independent is a discussion for another time and place—but it sounds
good.
Craving
political or personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual
independence is problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and
acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you
are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Far from being self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set us free. Every day is our “dependence day.”
