What does it mean to be independent? Not dependent, right? When the forefathers of this country set forth on the journey to independence from England, their goal was freedom: freedom to be independent of tyranny and control that prohibited and inhibited their choices, worship and pursuit of happiness. The road to independence was not easy … but they felt it was worth it … therefore, they fought for it. And so we are independent!

It’s just in man’s nature to strive for independence. Being independent is synonymous with success and a thriving life … right? A young boy or girl can’t wait until they are grown and no longer dependent upon parents because dependence upon something or someone denotes control. And we all want to be free from the control of anything other than ourselves … and God, of course. Or is that actually true?

That’s worthy of some critical thinking for after all, wasn’t it the desire for independence that tempted Eve and Adam to taste the fruit offered by the serpent? We look back at it now and think it was pretty naïve of the two of them to fall into that trap. They had it made. God provided for everything they could possibly need. They lived in a beautiful place, free to enjoy life without the toil, sweat and tears from labor. Yet it wasn’t enough. And that’s where our story starts turning sour, huh? Well, maybe not.

We can read in Isaiah 14, where independence from God and His control was the goal of Lucifer as we’re reminded, “You said to yourself, “I’ll climb to heaven. I’ll set my throne over the stars of God. I’ll run the assembly of angels that meets on sacred Mount Zaphon. I’ll climb to the top of the clouds. I’ll take over as King of the Universe.”

Wow! He meant business didn’t he? He was bound and determined to be free from the control of God … his Creator.

It’s quite obvious that this undeniable desire for and consuming pursuit of independence thrives within each and every human being. In fact, from my own personal experience, I can attest that it is this desire to live without control and dependency upon my Creator that has led to most of the downfalls in my life. However, while one might be able to pursue independence from the control of a Sovereign Power, or especially a relationship with Him … that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are free or independent of Him.

As Independence Day approaches, our minds most certainly cling to the patriotic notions that tender our hearts and help us to respect the high costs and value of freedom. By no means is this intended to diminish or dispel that. But here’s a question I would like to pose in regards to the irony of independence. Does our pursuit of “independence” interfere with our need for “dependence” upon God?

America is an affluent country compared to most of the rest of the world. We hold tightly to the ideals of independence, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, we are SOOOOO dependent upon the things that make us “affluent” that we could scarcely survive if it was all taken away. So … IF IT WAS ALL TAKEN AWAY … would independence mean so much then?

Perhaps it would not. Suddenly, we would find ourselves to be utterly DEPENDENT upon the Creator once again. I read recently that there are many “good” things in life, but not all “good things” are godly. My question … and it’s just meant as something to think about … is simply this, “Is independence good, godly … both or neither?” Perhaps the answer lies solely in what one does with his/her independence.