What is independence? Is it when we turn 16 and finally have the freedom to come and go as we like. The government says that you become an official adult at 18. College is a whole new level of freedom … the first time that you yourself are maintaining your whole academic, personal and social responsibilities. For me, the most indepence came when I began my first full-time job. Along with signing my acceptance of the position letter came the signing of a lease … those were big steps for me. I was now responsible for making sure the bills were paid and that I showed up to work on time and making sure all my work was done. People were now depending on me.
I felt a whole new level of freedom during each of the above mentioned stages. What a process it is to grow up!! My decision to go on the Race was another level of stepping into freedom. Actually, I don’t know that I would call it freedom. I am still bound by certain rules and I have a team and squad expecting from me. In another way, it is complete freedom. Freedom to be in the Lord’s will. Freedom to be vulnerable. Freedom to love the Lord with all my heart.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
I’ve heard the above verses many times before, but I now look at them in a new light. The word freedom implies independence, but after closely reading and studying the verses. I realized that there in only freedom in Christ which leads to dependence on the Lord.
In conclusion, I have realized that true freedom is not a posture of independence; true freedom is a posture of dependence. Complete dependence on my Father! How comforting to know that I am not expected to live in true freedom in my own independence!
