Independence is a cherished value today. Kids want to do things without the interference of adults; adults, and even seniors do things and are agitated when anyone gives unsolicited advice. Dependence is considered an admission of weakness or failure. In our culture today, where everyone must be a winner and first, there is hardly room for dependency. Christianity, however, is a religion of dependency. We must admit our inadequacies and our need for a Savior we can depend on. We depend on Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection to fix our sin problem. We depend on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We depend on the Bible, prayer, and fellowship. We are birthed into the body of Christ individually, but the spiritual journey from that point to the end requires interdependence. Believers influenced by today’s independent culture are likely to think of Christianity as something they achieved through their efforts. As the branch must abide on the vine to bear fruit, we must depend on Christ (John 15:5).
