What's my thought?
Independence VS. Self-Reliance
I have always been a very independent sort. My parents raised me to know how to take care of myself and to handle things that come up in life. I think that is a good thing.
But lately, I have given some thought to the difference between being independent and being self-reliant. On the surface, self-reliance can sound good. If I rely on myself, I know what is happening and how it's getting done. But I am not sure that self-reliance is what God wants for us. God created us to need one another and to need Him. Don't get me wrong....I believe God expects us to be responsible for our actions. But I also think that God is pleased when we "share one another's burdens" and when we "forsake not the gathering of ourselves together."
I used to think that scripture was speaking specifically about going to church. I now think that is only a part of it. We need one another in the good times and the bad times. If I am to know when you need my support and that extra hug, then I need to know you well enough to recognize your hurts, even if you have not expressed them.
I had a particularly bad day last week and one of my friends im'd me with this message.."Are you ok? You have been on my heart all day." How awesome of God to let her know I needed her intercession on that day! Self-reliance would say I didn't need that from her...but I did. It blessed me.
Becoming less self-reliant has been a struggle for me. For so long I felt like I only had ME to depend on and that is a hard habit to break. I have had things happen this past year where, if had I only myself to rely on, I would not have made it through the struggle. I have had to try to learn to accept offers of help from friends...they will tell you, this was not easy for me. I wonder if I had not been so hard-headed and allowed God to teach me this lesson when He started trying....if I could have avoided some of the struggles.... hmmmmm
So my conclusion is this.....God created me as an independent person who can handle much...but He also sent the people I love...my friends and family...so that I don't have to be self-reliant. Most important He has taught me that it has been my reliance on Him that has allowed me to open the door and embrace all these wonderful people in my life. May I always rely on Him and His will for my life. :)
Independence VS. Self-Reliance
I have always been a very independent sort. My parents raised me to know how to take care of myself and to handle things that come up in life. I think that is a good thing.
But lately, I have given some thought to the difference between being independent and being self-reliant. On the surface, self-reliance can sound good. If I rely on myself, I know what is happening and how it's getting done. But I am not sure that self-reliance is what God wants for us. God created us to need one another and to need Him. Don't get me wrong....I believe God expects us to be responsible for our actions. But I also think that God is pleased when we "share one another's burdens" and when we "forsake not the gathering of ourselves together."
I used to think that scripture was speaking specifically about going to church. I now think that is only a part of it. We need one another in the good times and the bad times. If I am to know when you need my support and that extra hug, then I need to know you well enough to recognize your hurts, even if you have not expressed them.
I had a particularly bad day last week and one of my friends im'd me with this message.."Are you ok? You have been on my heart all day." How awesome of God to let her know I needed her intercession on that day! Self-reliance would say I didn't need that from her...but I did. It blessed me.
Becoming less self-reliant has been a struggle for me. For so long I felt like I only had ME to depend on and that is a hard habit to break. I have had things happen this past year where, if had I only myself to rely on, I would not have made it through the struggle. I have had to try to learn to accept offers of help from friends...they will tell you, this was not easy for me. I wonder if I had not been so hard-headed and allowed God to teach me this lesson when He started trying....if I could have avoided some of the struggles.... hmmmmm
So my conclusion is this.....God created me as an independent person who can handle much...but He also sent the people I love...my friends and family...so that I don't have to be self-reliant. Most important He has taught me that it has been my reliance on Him that has allowed me to open the door and embrace all these wonderful people in my life. May I always rely on Him and His will for my life. :)
posted by CJ @ 11:37 AM
4 Comments:
At 5:40 PM,
Mailman said…
Ah, yes! We are ALL that way...though some will try to fool you into thinking otherwise
At 9:26 PM,
Unknown said…
You and I have had this conversation many times. My favorite verse ever, that speaks to me through everything I have ever gone through: Phil 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
At 6:59 AM,
marybeth said…
YEAH....
At 9:58 PM,
gg said…
cj - So true!! This is soooooo difficult for some - to let their guard down and let others in. It's the day we realize we need each other that we are truly fortunate. Thank you for the laughs you provide on the "not so great" days. You are there for others more than you'll ever know. Thanks for that!!
Post a Comment
<< Home