New Reminders: Independence
by Ardith Hoff
From the time of the American revolution, Americans have had a particularly strong attachment to individual freedom and independence. We don’t like anyone telling us what we can and cannot do. We like to operate independently and to maintain our independence for as long as possible. I am of an age that many people of my age are being forced to give up their freedom and independence. Some have had to quit driving a car because their eyesight is failing. Some have had to give up their homes and property to go into assisted living or a nursing home.
Our children try to encourage us to make our own decisions and to take the steps necessary to make the move to that stage of life on our own. And we know that it would, theoretically, make the decision easier, but we are still reluctant to do so. It is not an easy decision, no matter how it comes about. Giving up control is not something we want to do unless we absolutely have to.
Yet, there is an even more important decision we all (young or old) need to make. We need to be willing to give up our freedom and independence and our attachment to things and completely surrender ourselves to God. Not that we all need to abandon everything and become pastors or missionaries, but like the disciples and apostles, we must be willing to do even that, if we are called to do so. God has a purpose for each of us and we are to serve Him wherever we are. Whether we are in a comfortable life of our own choosing or in a facility of some kind. The apostle Paul even served God from prison.
The Bible tells us that by surrendering our life to God, we will live the life we were meant to have. The surrendered life is a willingness to give back to Jesus the life he granted to us, by His death on the cross. Relinquishing control, our rights, our power, direction and all of the things we have, do or say is not something we relish. Yet God has promised that, if we will totally relinquish our life into His hands, we will be freer than we can ever imagine. How can that be?
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Being in God’s hands, frees us from the devil’s influence and to do Gods will in joy.
“'For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. “Jeremiah 29:11.