Since my bicycle accident 2 weeks ago, during which I landed flat on my face, God’s been up to some pretty cool stuff in my life that I think is so important in the life of our church. I’ve discovered how hard it is for me to allow myself to be served by others. I mean, theres certainly a reason for this independence in my life I live by myself, and out of necessity have had to learn how to do most things for myself. I am a self-diagnosed independent woman, and proud of it!!! But there are several ways that this independence can be a problem.

The first problem that independence causes is in my relationship with God. God created us to be dependent on Him, and to me there’s no better example of this than in our bodies. One of the most amazing things I learned during my medical training is how incredibly small, insignificant problems in the chemistry of our bodies can lead to serious health issues, or even death! This is just one small example of how dependent we are on God to keep us ticking. In my independence, I don’t intentionally snub God, but I tend to go around doing things, making my own decisions, and, because of my independence, end up doing many things without involving Him at all. I am dependent on Him whether I realize it or not, and whether I acknowledge it or not in practical ways in my life. Living in dependence on Him is the way God created us to live, and life is much more full (John 10:10) when we live it that way.

The second problem that independence causes is in the community of Christ. When I try to do everything myself, it robs others of the joy and responsibility of serving. This is a concept that is so hard for me to practically apply that I have a hard time even writing it here but it’s so true!! When we talk about community, its easy to talk about the ways we need to serve each other and give to each other but what about the ways we need to be served and given to??

So I want to challenge you all today examine yourselves as the Lord leads you. Do you live independently, or do you live your life in God’s design, dependently on Him? Examine with me not only the ways you need to serve, but also the ways you need to be served; examine not only the ways you need to give, but also the ways you need to receive.

I’m sure there will be more to come from this experience I can already see it coming.

Seeking His Face,
Cindy

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