Declaration of Dependence

On July 4, 1776, the colonies in the ‘New World’ declared their independence from Great Britain. People living in the 13 American colonies had grown increasing tired of British rule. Heavy taxation, constant scrutiny and religious discord drove American British subjects, into American Patriots. 

On June 23rd, 2016, the same British who colonized America many years earlier, chose to forge their own independence from the European Union. Like the colonists before them, they too grew weary of being subjected to rules and regulation which they felt they could not control. The British Brexit will live on in infamy. 

                               

People in countries around the world long to be independent of controlling leadership. Perhaps that is because in our genetic make-up lies the innate desire to govern ourselves especially when we can do so with our free-will relationship with God intact. 

Interestingly, when Jesus lived on the earth, He resided in a land under the imperial rule of Rome. Many of the Jewish people at that time believed Jesus came to save them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire. They didn’t know that He came to save them as individuals from Satan’s tyranny.  Even as a young boy, Jesus knew He had to do what His Father gave Him to do…. He was dependent on His heavenly Father at all times. (Luke 2:49 NKJV) … “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

How are we to live in this world in different countries, with varying governments, rules, and regulations and yet be dependent on Christ?  If we are ‘in this world, but not of it’ as true Christians (with “Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:27), how can we be independent in our own right, and yet dependent on Jesus, our Savior and Heavenly Bridegroom?  It is because we are ‘different’!

Philippians 3:20 (AMP)

20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He answered by saying: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 (NASB) 

In order to live in this world, we must follow the laws of the land, while keeping our hearts and thoughts on God’s kingdom.  Jesus spoke clearly about this in Matthew 6:25-33.  We do not need to worry about our life, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear…. For our heavenly Father will supply all our need “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV)

Can we be dependent on God for everything that pertains to our lives? Yes! When we acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and seek to know Him, we will receive His grace and peace multiplied to us in every area of our lives.

2 Peter 1:2-3 (ESV)

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence… 

We can be independent in our own right, and yet dependent on Jesus.  We can choose daily to walk according to the Word of God in the scriptures and not be swayed by the winds of political correctness that change like the winds on the ocean.  We can be fruitful in every area of our lives and glorify God even if our neighbors do not agree or understand us.  Jesus said that ‘without Him we can do nothing.’ Jesus showed us how He lived being dependent on His Father and how His life glorified the Father in heaven.

John 15:5, 7-8 (CEB) I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. 

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.

So let’s declare our DEPENDENCE on CHRIST today!  Let’s abide (stay, remain, live, dwell) in Jesus each day and follow His example of ‘a life obedient to the will of God.’ We will produce much fruit to the glory of the Father in heaven.

~Sarah and Joanne