“You sure do have an independent streak!”
Those are familiar words spoken often to kids (and to some adults). Let’s face it: we are to raise our kids to become independent since we would be alarmed if they never learned to dress, eat, walk, or play on their own.
The problem is when 1) they get there too quickly, and 2) when they are quite adamant about it. You know…maybe they could wait at least until they are 16 before they don’t need us anymore. 😛
I saw this in Braden while on vacation as well. He is 7 1/2 going on 15 I think. In attitude anyway. He is now/already in that “I don’t kiss anyone goodnight or good-bye anymore.” He doesn’t give hugs very easily nor say “I love you” all that quickly either. He definitely doesn’t want to hold our hands, even when crossing a street or in a parking lot.
He has developed a streak of fierce independence. That is okay on some things but not on others.
Sort of like me and God. I will admit to some independence on my part. Okay…more than I probably should have. I mean, I know God wants me functioning on my own, but under the control and power of His Spirit. He wants to walk with me through my daily life. But sometimes I stubbornly refuse His embrace, His “kiss,” His desire to hold my hand. “I can do this on my own.” Yeah, and about the time I decide to flex my muscles I get run over by a truck.
It is good to be independent…in some areas and on some things. But it also equally good to be dependent. “I have been crucified with Christ. it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” Gal.2:20
Do you have trouble with dependence?
Bill as the petulant kid … great image compared to the grown up pastor position that you have labeled on your business card.
There is that dichotomy for sure Daniel. Seems to never end.
Ummmm….yeah
I’ll put my stamp on that for me as well.
“Do you have trouble with dependence?”
Are you kidding?
Little gods like us don’t need anyone telling them how to run the show.
We are all self-obsessed idolators at heart.
That’s why we flat out refuse to love God…and our neighbors as ourselves.
Although…we might pinch out a little of our extra stash and time…just as a tip o’ the hat.
It is, after all, ALL ABOUT ME. You are right Stephen about self-obsessed idolaters at heart.
I certainly don’t think for a minute that we are all self obsessed idolaters. What a miserable way to view your fellow primates. I know way too many parents, coworkers, and fellow volunteers that give way more than a little of their extra stash to hold on to such a negative belief structure. And most of the people I know do it all without any thought of an invisible friend in the sky.
I do agree it is a miserable way to look at others Jeff. I do know of myself I am way too often only concerned about ME. if by idolater Stephen means I put myself on the throne of my life then I am guilty. Far more than i would like to admit. However, I do agree there are those who give themselves away to others. i try to do that as well but i still fight who is boss of my life. On this I cannot speak for Stephen (although I do think I know what he will say). 🙂 Thanks for chiming in. I take your words seriously and as being thought out (although, as you know, I do believe in that invisible friend in the sky).
Independent me? Let me count the times God has let me just run ahead of Him till I get tripped and fall flat on my face. He has broke me so many times you would think I had learned my lesson and in some ways I have. Maybe it’s age but my desire to run on my own is leaving and what is settled in it’s place is a peace that I know comes from being dependent on Him. The more I see my frailty, the more I want His direction. On going process isn’t it? Good post brother.
it is an ongoing process with me as well Betty. I want my heart and my head to meet on who gets the direction in my life.
Great analogy, Bill. I see that same battle going on in the minds of my own grandchildren.
There is a fine line between independence and rebellion that I myself sometimes walk. When I dart over that line into rebellion there are always consequences that I regret.
Thanks Pam. You are right about that fine line which exists. I have trouble sometimes staying away from it.
I keep hearing the words of Jesus, “apart from me you can do nothing.” We’ve been born of the Spirit and to operate in that realm, it’s in Jesus–total dependence. That said, I sometimes think I don’t need to bother God with certain things, you know, the simple stuff. But I forget that those simple things are part of a bigger plan and purpose He has and apart from Him, I can do nothing. Good post and reminder, Bill. Thanks.
You understand then why I said “Under the power and control of the Spirit.” We are unable to do it on our own…without question. Like you, I sometimes wonder about bothering God with the “small” stuff as well. Thanks for the comment.
Oh boy. I’ve fought this my entire life. Being the youngest I don’t think helped me, but blaming someone else for me being me isn’t the answer either. The gift of free will is so misunderstood and we miss out on the peace and joy in life while fighting to fill the void that this fallen world and pride has left… Guilty as charged, Bill…
You are right when you say we miss out on the peace and joy we receive when we yield and leave pride on the floor.
Absolutely! …and so automatic! When things go awry and I try to straighten them out and then there’s chaos, a light bulb turns on in my, no, God, smiling, looks down at me…(I really do visualize this every time and my eyes turn upward to acknowledge His loving, parental, gaze) I think, “if only I had prayed first…will I ever pray first, Lord, help this old lady to remember to pray first, always!
Old lady you aren’t. But this old man makes the same misstep.