To be really free, we must become dependent.
To the world, that is an oxymoron. To Christians, it is the path to joy.
The more dependent we are on Christ, the freer we are. Complete freedom requires total dependence on God.
Dependence, even in this world, isn’t necessarily easy. With my eye trouble, I’ve become much more dependent. My husband has been doing all the driving. Meals in assisted living came on their schedule. Worse, much worse, morning coffee came on their schedule!
Set Free for Dependence
We are set free for dependence on God.
Spiritually, for the child of God, we are set free from slavery to sin at the same moment we become dependent on Christ. Some call this our “Dependence Day.”
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2)
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31–32)
We are saved from the penalty of sin, once-and-for-all, when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
But we are saved from the power of sin gradually over our lifetimes as we learn, more and more, to relinquish every area of our lives to our Lord.
“For you … are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8–10)
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13)
Test
Here is a penetrating test (drawn from the Navigators):
List every area of your life, in whatever detail seems useful to you. For example:
- Spiritual
- Bible study
- Prayer
- Family
- Work or school
- Recreation
- Finances
- Health
- Nutrition
- Exercise
Then, ask yourself these questions about each area:
- Am I willing to give this area to the Lord to do whatever He wants? And then praise Him for what He does?
- Am I willing to do (or not do) whatever He wants in this area?
Joy
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
