Thinking about independence
By Jerry Batson, Th.D.
Special to The Alabama Baptist
We are only one week away from Independence Day, the federal holiday in the United States commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. In this setting and with its historical significance the descriptive term independence has cherished and valued force.
However, not all expressions of independence, especially on the personal level, are positive. The focus of Theology 101 this week is not on national independence but individual independence and independence not in a political sense but a spiritual one.
The closing two lines from William Ernest Henley’s famous poem “Invictus” are often quoted. After making reference to what he termed his “unconquerable soul” and his “unbowed” head the poet ended with the declaration, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Independence at its worst
Such words could refer to a life without God which would be personal independence at its worst.
The idea of life independent of God is but a mirage anyway. The water we drink, the air we breathe and the food we eat come to us from God who causes it to rain on the just and unjust alike.
It is possible for one to live in conscious independence from God. However, in the end everyone gives account to God.
For a confessing Christian there is a sense in which independence can be a vice of the worst sort such as attempting to live independently of God’s will, of His word, of prayer, of loving service to others, of Christ’s commands and of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power.
Independence at its best
Independence in the Christian life can be positive. Being set free from the ceremonial laws and ordinances of the Old Testament is a blessing Christ brought to God’s people.
The Bible urges Christians to stand fast in “the liberty by which Christ has made us free” and not become entangled with “a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1). Such liberty is a virtue indeed.
Independence from external rituals is only part of its virtue. Of great virtue is finding liberty from the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life as well as from the onslaughts of the world and the devil.
Of Himself, Christ promised, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Freedom in Christ is personal independence at its best.
Share with others: