Independence Day

 Today is the 4^th of July, or, as it is officially known, Independence Day. It’s a good day to give thanks for all the freedoms and blessings that we have. It’s also a good time to think about independence and dependence.

 

We give thanks today for the freedom we have to worship as we choose. We should never forget that our greatest freedom was won for us by Christ on the cross. As Paul writes, “Now you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” (Rom 6:22).

 

We tend to think of independence in a favorable context. According to society’s view, independent people think for themselves and provide for themselves without needing anybody’s help. They are strong and successful. On the other hand, we view the dependent person in a negative light. We wish that they had a little more spine and initiative to do things for themselves.

 

As is true in many areas, God’s values turn the world’s values upside down.  He reminds us that we are dependent on Him for all we have and do. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor 4:7). We are also told that Christians ideally should be interdependent with other believers. Paul compared the church to a living body, with all the parts of the body dependent on each other for the proper functioning of the body. Peter viewed Christians as living stones who together made up the church, with Christ as the cornerstone of the church.

 

Let’s reflect on all the freedoms we enjoy today and celebrate our country’s birth!