Sitting in Church this last weekend, much was made about the upcoming Independence Day. “Independence is wonderful, thank God for our independence, we need to celebrate our independence”. Similar to what I imagine came from the pulpits of most mainstream churches.
Sitting there, clapping with the rest of the audience, got me thinking… in the context of freedom from worldly tyranny and systems of oppression, praise God indeed for independence!
But a celebration of independence is not what I really expected to hear from any pulpit. In fact, I struck me that what we should be proclaiming is the converse… Utter dependence.
We are utterly dependent on Christ. His sacrifice and love. He alone is the way to the Father. (John 14:6)
We are utterly dependent on God. He alone is in control of it all. (Job 38)
We are utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit. He alone is the guarantee of the inheritance we all have, as Christians. (Eph 1:4)
And if you know your Bible, you know I could keep going.
So, what’s my point? (Land the plane Grant… lol)
Years ago I was buying something from someone I found online. Over the course of a couple of transactions, we became if not friends then at least good acquaintances. Every few months I would stop by, sometimes to shoot the breeze. One day, we were standing on his porch and I invited him to church. “nope, don’t need it” was his reply. Really? “Mind if I ask why?” was my query back.
And then he said this… “well, I figure I’m in control of my life and God’s just up there doing His thing and there’s really no interaction”.
I wanted to make 100% sure I was tracking… “Jeff, do you mean to tell me that you think you are in control of everything that happens to you each day”.
A “yep” and a nod was my answer.
I thought about it for a second and said “If I even for a second thought that, I would be too terrified to get out of bed in the morning”.
The truth is we are utterly dependent on God. His goodness, mercy, protection, control, etc. The Bible tells us that nothing escapes His notice and even the wild animals eat at His provision. And then the Word goes on to tell us how much more that applies to us, His finest creation.
We are dependent on Him even for the very air we breathe and our bodies ability to utilize it to keep us alive. And all the more complex things, too.
And we are utterly, absolutely, unmistakably dependent on Him for forgiveness of sins, which no man can attain on their own.
So this July 4th, surely do celebrate an Independent Nation. But consider as well celebrating your utter dependence on God – a Good, Good Father, Who has richly given you so much (John 3:16).
Happy July 4th!
Grant DiCianni
President & Publisher
Tapestry Productions Inc
Love this. Thank you for sharing ❣️