"When
in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people
to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with
another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate
and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's
God entitle them, a decent respect
to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the
causes which impel them to the separation.
We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
From
the words of our countries founding fathers written in the Declaration
of Independence signed July 4th 1776….. All mankind has the same
rights entitled to them by GOD. We have been endowed by our creator
to have LIFE through Christ and the Liberty to purse happiness
which only comes through the Joy of salvation and knowing Him.
(From Websters Dictionary)
"Independence:
the quality or state of being independent"
Independent:
"
not dependent: not subject to control by others "
"
not requiring or relying on something else: not contingent "
"
not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct
"
"
not bound by or committed to"
"
not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood)"
They say a mature person is someone who has grown in age, wisdom,
gained independence and has authority over their own life. As
we celebrate our nations Independence I am overwhelmed by the
thought that although we gained our freedoms from oppression,
as a nation, Americans have forgotten that this country was founded
on God and Religion. We have gone from being dependant on God
to be our savior, our provider, our teacher, our comforter and
our purpose to a society of independent Christians.
Most of the time, we rely on ourselves instead of God. Our first
priority in life is how to better ourselves not how can I help
my fellow man come to know Christ. We do more, have more, make
more but we are not using these blessings to better God's kingdom.
He gives us an abundance of wealth, talents and gifts but we waste
them on ourselves. This Independence we have gained, wanting to
be totally self reliant and in control of ones life is a misnomer,
for to be mature in Christ is to be totally dependant
on HIM every day.
Independence from God breeds worldly desires and our sinful nature.
A person mature in the ways of the world becomes the center of
their own life. They are self sufficient, self reliant, self serving,
selfish, self gratifying, and self centered because their outlook
on life is "It's all about Me. This was me not too long ago.
Since
giving my heart to Christ, I have a new awareness that Salvation
is only the first step and the beginning of a relationship with
God to change my heart to be totally dependant on him. As we are
celebrating our Nations independence this 4th of July we should
also be praising God in celebration of our Dependence
on Him, his love and authority over our lives.
It's
up to every believer how far and how much God will use them. As
Christians, we can choose to be Independent and have religion
or we can be Dependant and have a
relationship with God Almighty.
The
choice is yours……
Sherri
Hunter