This year, 2026, the United States is celebrating 250 years of independence. Originally a British colony, the Americans grew tired of being dependent on Great Britain. They took up arms against the Crown and, after a fierce and determined struggle, declared their independence in 1776. Since then, the U.S. has grown to become the world’s sole superpower, eventually outshining Britain itself. Ironically, Britain is now heavily reliant on the United States, its former colony.
According to the dictionary, independence is defined as the state or quality of being self-reliant and free from the control, influence, or support of others. It represents the ability to make one’s own decisions and govern oneself without relying on external entities.
The Desire for National Sovereignty
No nation wants to be under the dictates of another. This is because ruling nations usually do not act in the best interest of those under their control. When nations conquer others or acquire colonies, it is typically to extract resources and cheap labor to enrich themselves. As a result, the conquered people—if they weren't already—soon become resentful. Independence movements spring up as the spirit of self-determination rises. Throughout world history, we see groups of people rising to throw off the shackles of oppression and dependency to put on the mantle of independence. This is why nations celebrate their independence days with such fervor.
The Paradox of Spiritual Independence
While independence is beneficial in many areas of life, there is one area where it is a disaster: our relationship with God. Independence from God is a hollow pursuit. You may ask: Why shouldn't I be independent? Why should God rule over me?
1. The Impossibility of True Independence
First, true independence from God is an impossibility. As the Creator and Sustainer of all things, everything depends on Him. If God were to declare a famine in the land, no human effort could prevent it. God rules over all.
2. The Wisdom of the Creator
Since God created us, He knows best what is good for us and how we ought to live. God is a wise counselor who seeks our well-being. To seek independence from Him is disastrous because we lack the perspective to see the ultimate results of our actions. In this context, independence from God is a form of madness.
3. The Burden of Self-Provision
When a nation declares independence, it claims self-reliance and must provide for itself what the ruling power once provided—food, security, and infrastructure. When we claim independence from God, a similar thing happens. We take on the burden of providing for ourselves in a world where we have control over very little. This leads to:
Anxiety
Fear
Chronic Worry
Learning from Children
We often struggle to be dependent upon God because we view it as an assault on our autonomy. We ask, "Can't I guide my own life?" When it comes to salvation, many ask, "Can't I work my way to heaven by doing good things?"
Being dependent on God makes us feel like children. Interestingly, Jesus said that unless we become like children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Why? Because children possess a wisdom that adults—struggling for autonomy—often lack.
Children understand that their parents brought them into this world. They know the wisest way to live is to depend on their parents for everything:
"Dad, I need money."
"Mom, I need clothes."
"Dad, I'm hurting."
A child understands that their parents are responsible for their welfare and possess resources far beyond the child's own feeble capabilities. If a child were to seek total independence, they would end up homeless and penniless. In that relationship, dependence is a demonstration of wisdom.
Conclusion: A Different Kind of Struggle
If we could adopt the wisdom of a child, it would be a great blessing. Our worries and anxieties would fade because we would bring them to a God whose resources and capabilities are infinite.
Struggles for independence are never easy; one must fight a ruling power that resists being overthrown. However, our true struggle is not one of independence, but of dependence upon God. We must fight the "ruling power" of the self, our ignorance of reality, and our old habits. By bringing the self into subjection to God, we actually achieve the highest form of freedom: true independence from fear, anxiety, and worry.
As America celebrates 250 years of national independence, let us strive to be dependent upon God for all things. In doing so, we achieve true liberty and self-possession.
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