Galatians 1:10 - In Dependence Day

Why celebrate dependence?

This weekend, we'll be celebrating the Fourth of July: "Independence Day." It's the day we commemorate our Declaration of Independence from English rule, to set up a new nation with, "the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them"

That Declaration also says that the Creator endows everyone with "certain inalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Unfortunately, too many have redefined national independence to mean "I am independent to do as I please, regardless of how it affects others."

In some ways, personal independence is necessary. Years ago, while getting ready to make a quick run to the post office, I hesitated because the hem on my jeans was frayed. "What will people think?" And Paul's words brought me to my senses:
"If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10b, New American Standard Bible, 1995) I needed a good dose of godly independence.

Genuine, healthy independence from people comes from being IN DEPENDENCE upon God.
"In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 56:11 (NASB95) 

This doesn't mean ignoring or despising other people. A similar text reads:
"The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? 
The Lord is for me among those who help me..." Psalm 118:6–7 (NASB95) 

Dependence upon God recognizes that He is behind the help we receive from other people. 
This is Dependence worthy of a Declaration.

Father in heaven, It is in You that we live and move, and have our existence (Acts 17:28). Instead of fighting to break from from You, we declare that we are in dependence upon you so that we will have the courage to stand independent from trying to please everyone else. In Jesus' name, Amen.