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Independence!!!!

Independence is the state or quality of being free from the control, influence, or support of others. It means having the ability or govern yourself, make your own decisions, and take care of your own needs without relying on outside help. Independence can refer to several different concepts, be it personal, political, national or financial and always comes with a price.

The Fourth of July marks Independence Day for America from the oppressive rule of the British monarchy under King George the III in 1776. Our nation’s independence took time! It was only after several difficult and costly years of war before it was won. Independence always comes with a price! Independence and being a Christ-follower coincide through the paradox of finding true freedom in reliance on the ONE who created all things, including man! Genesis chapter one from the Bible gives the account of all creation. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). And verse 27 states: “God created man in His own image, in the image He created him; make and female He created them.” Genesis chapter 3 goes on to tell how man chose to turn his back on God, thinking he could make it just fine by living his life independently from God. By in large the world has long adopted this view …living independently from God, thus doing whatever, whenever one wants.

Look around… how has this way of living one’s life independent from God turned out for those who have done so? A review of Romans chapter one spells out what often happens when one turns their back on God and lives independently from Him. Christian theology views independence or true freedom as a gift from Christ (who paid the ultimate price) that allows man to break free from the fear, the guilt, and selfishness caused by turning his back on God. The Apostle Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). This freedom isn’t the right to do whatever one wants, but the power to live as God originally intended.

Christ-followers are called to be independent of the world’s corrupting influences, peer pressure, and greed.  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Christian independence means being independent of the world’s pressures to conform. Ultimate freedom (independence) comes from depending on God, which frees man to serve others and live life with great purpose.

Christ-followers are free to love and serve others, not free to be self-indulgent!

  An MCHA Stop~n~Think - 07.03.2026 - Courtesy of  MCHA Ministry Coordinator Tim Chastain