 Independence
The term “independence” has a literal definition. The dictionary defines it as, “freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.” As we have so recently celebrated our own festival of independence as a country I would like for us to consider the ramifications of individual independence from a Biblical point of view. Considering our current modern understanding and usage of the term as applied to our individual lives. Control The definition begins with stating that independence is “freedom from the control of others.” Of course, the Bible would support that we should not be coerced or manipulated into certain behaviors against our will by those who simply possess more power or prestige than we have (2 Samuel 12:1-12). So, if we understand freedom as restraint on the governing authority to allow for freedom to self govern under a common moral framework, like we talked about last week, then that would be fine. But if our understanding of freedom from control means that even God through the Holy Spirit should not seek to control us through revelation (scripture), regeneration, and true conversion then we have not understood what the scripture means when it says for us to obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:5-8). As believers in Christ, it should be our goal to grow in the fruit of self control, but that is the fruit of the Spirit, so it really is the product of bringing our will into conformity with God’s will. The self control communicated in scripture is the humble submission to the will and ways of our glorious God. Influence Independence is then defined as “freedom from the influence of others.” But no one is truly free from the influence of others. We are made to be social and communal creatures. Remember that the Lord said that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). This was not only for the point of having a mate, but for the building of culture and society (Genesis 1:26-28). My point is that we were made to have relationships with both God and other people. We were made to have fellowship with God and other people. So it simply is not possible, or wise, to seek to avoid all other influences or to seek to avoid being an influence on others. If we seek to avoid all other influences, all that we will probably accomplish is to deceive ourselves about how we have been influenced. If we attempt to avoid influencing anyone else all that we will probably do is influence them in a negative way (Romans 14:6-8). Support Independence is also defined as “freedom from the support of others.” In all honesty if people really believe that they are fully self made in any area of life one must assume they have a greatly inflated ego. No one truly grows or succeeds without some support from someone along the way. Usually true and lasting success in any area includes the support of a team of people working and investing for a common goal and under a common set of values. This brings us back to the need for a common moral framework which will require a common source of authority and accountability. Without a shared confession and commitment to the Lord this kind of consensus around values and morals will simply not be possible. Help The final point of the definition is that independence is “freedom from the aid or help of others.” Like the previous point about support, all of us find ourselves at some point needing help. It is actually a flaw and not a featured advantage to never be willing to ask for or receive help. If independence means that we can never be helped then it must also mean that we should not help others. If this becomes that underlying principle of a society then the collapse of that society is a sure conclusion. No one can even turn to the Lord if he cannot acknowledge his own need for the help of Christ (Hebrews 2:17-18). So let us take the way of Christ and turn from the arrogant way of the world and in humility look to Jesus who is our only hope in life and in death.
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