Independence

On July 4th 1776, America realized its independence. We as a nation matured to a point that we decided that our ideals should be separate from our governing nations. For the first time in many years of battling, we were faced with the exhilarating truth that we can exist outside of England and live as independent individuals. On July 4th each year, we celebrate that truth, but I submit however that this is not the end of the road for us as a nation or as an individual.

At or around age two, a child for the first time realizes that they are independent. Up until that point, when they are sad they think that everyone is sad, when they are hungry they assume everyone is hungry and are completely dependent on their parents to meet their needs. At age two, they learn that they exist outside of their parents and experience a combination of freedom and fear at the same time, a necessary stage in development.

The stage of independence is an important one because it teaches a sense of ownership in one’s life. It serves a purpose to hopefully break entitlement and selfishness, but staying in this mindset of independence will create division and death. God says that it is not good for man to be alone and that together we can put many more things to flight than we can alone.

Ephesians 4:16 tells us that God makes the whole body fit together perfectly. “As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” A mature individual realizes that as independent people we can benefit from each other’s wisdom, love, support, and more. We know that God alone can satisfy us, but we need to put to heart that we are exponentially healthier as a team, and in turn can accomplish more for the kingdom.

So I encourage us today to celebrate our Interdependence day. Let us realize that together we are stronger, healthier, and more efficient contributors to the kingdom of heaven. Today, as we remember our independent stage, let us move past that, break down our walls of division, and open ourselves up to the interdependent stages.