I Declare My Dependence

Tomorrow is July 4th and America’s Independence Day.  I love this holiday.  I love seeing the great passion that people have for their country.  We were able this year to see that passion leading up to the 4th through America’s support of the World Cup.  We typically see it again during the Olympics and holidays that direct our thoughts to America or those who fight to protect her.  July 4th is the holiday that celebrates when the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.  We celebrate the day we became our own country.  I think it is appropriate and joyful to celebrate that fact that 238 years ago we proclaimed ourselves as its own nation and people.  So tomorrow go and shoot those fireworks, grill out, and eat good ol’ apple pie.  Spend time with friends and family and celebrate America!

However, my call for us every day as those who choose to follow Jesus Christ is to constantly declare our DEPENDENCE.   We may be a nation of independence, but we are a people dependent upon the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ through his life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and continued salvation. 

I am dependent upon God as my father and the one who hovered over the nothingness and created all the galaxies, universe, moons, stars, planets, and all that is in this Earth.  I depend on God to continue to create, rule, love, and give.

I am dependent upon Jesus as my savior and the head of the church.  I depend on him for my ongoing salvation, my example of how to treat others, and my calling back to the Father.

I am dependent upon the Holy Spirit.  I depend on him for continual guidance and counsel.  He convicts me of my sin and reroutes my heart back to Jesus.  He leads me to others who also follow Jesus and links our hearts together with God’s love.  He intercedes for us taking our heart and giving it words to share with God.

I am dependent upon the Church.  I depend upon God’s people to sharpen and strengthen my calling and the mission that Jesus has laid out for us.  I depend on her for encouragement and exhortation.  I depend on her for spiritual sustenance.  I depend on her to help me shine the light of Christ to all others.

I am dependent upon my family.  My wife and children are life-giving.  I depend upon them for laughter, love, and joy.  I depend on my wife for strength and the push I need at times.  I depend on my children to keep me honest and challenge me with their bold faith.

I am dependent.  I declare it today and for my entire life.  I do not walk away from Jesus sad, because I hold on to my independence.  I am glad to live in an independent nation.  I am blessed to live as a dependent follower of Christ.