Independence

Through reading someone's post and through the conversations I've heard today...I think I need to reflect on independence.

Independence means the act of being independent in most dictionaries. So, I chose to look up independent instead.

Independent: (Taken from Dictionary.com, keyword search: "Independent")

1. not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself: an independent thinker.

2. not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free: an independent businessman.

3. not influenced by the thought or action of others: independent research.

4. not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.

5. not relying on another or others for aid or support.

6. rejecting others' aid or support; refusing to be under obligation to others.

7. possessing a competency: to be financially independent.

8. sufficient to support a person without his having to work: an independent income.

9. executed or originating outside a given unit, agency, business, etc.; external: an independent inquiry.

10. working for oneself or for a small, privately owned business.

11. expressive of a spirit of independence; self-confident; unconstrained: a free and independent citizen.

12. free from party commitments in voting: the independent voter."

So, my next question is, what does the bible say about dependence and independence?

1 Thessalonians 4:12 states "You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not depend on anybody"

Jeremiah 17:5 states "This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his own strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD"

Romans 12:18 states "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone"

Colossians 2:8 states "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ"

And then if you look at RELY in the bible you see passages like:

2 Chronicles 14:11 states "Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you."

2 Corinthians 1:9-11 states "Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

And, of course there are many more scriptures.

So, here's what I've come to understand through this search. It's good to be dependent on God, not so much to be dependent on others. But, I would be careful to not assume that this means that the American westernized view of independence, all independence, is a good thing. Yes, we should not depend on others, but I don't think we should be totally devoid of others either. We should live in community.

I worry about American culture and society. It's so mechanical. So unemotional and cold...most conversations are through texting, e-mails, chats, etc. We don't take the time to listen to people's voices anymore or see people face to face. We're always in a hurry, never sleeping, always working, always busy busy busy.

When, if we just depend on God. If we just stop and relax and know that we're safe, secure, content, and are sufficiently satisfied...I wonder what would happen. Probably a revolution.

My thoughts, Kelsy.