Independence

 

www.merriam –webster.com defines the word Independence as freedom from outside control or support: the state of being independent: competence.

I was reading another one of gentle brother Paul’s letters to the Romans. This letter has an overall theme of FREEDOM. Here he basically teaches them of a life of freedom when one begins to believe in the answers that come from Jesus Christ to all their life’s concerns. In Romans 7 from verses 7 right through to 25 he speaks about the struggle with sin. After reading it, one word popped into my thoughts: INDEPENDENCE. The way in which this gentle fella, {I have a feeling he was handsome too ladies hehehehe} takes responsibility for the contribution he himself has on the issue of sin shows us the competence of his understanding of the two entities that are waging war inside him. I really just love how he shows independence of thoughts and deeds and then simultaneously teaches us the power in relying on Jesus. See for me this is one lesson that not only grows my faith but instills a zeal to become independent and responsible (remember the concept of I CARE).  The other day as I was chatting to my mentor, we came to an awesome agreement about truth. Truth is different to all people. We don’t all espouse truth at the same pace, level or condition. She said to me: “everyone needs to search out and find their own truth, and then own it”. That stuck in my mind for a long while.

In becoming independent human beings, we need to realize that independence is not only restricted to our finances, transportation or lodging but it includes and is not limited to our influence. What we entertain most, we reflect most. In claiming independence we have to make thorough introspection, analyze what we are fed, by whom and how and then see just how much we reflect. Like books for instance, when you have read something, how much of what you apply from it is independent. I’ve read books and have even been strictly taught to do certain things. Then away from the pages and the lesson I realize, this is not my truth, this is really not working out for me. It’s a winning formula for many but It’s really killing me and not helping me. We need to own up to our own truths. It’s not easy, I’m not sure there actually is anything that’s just easily attained nje. It isn’t easy but it sure is worthy. Ok, back to Paul.  In Romans 7:14-25 he speaks of himself with so much accountability that just impresses me. He is also showing us a strong principle of sin and that it is only through Jesus Christ that we will find ourselves becoming SLAVES to God’s law.  I trust that God will reveal more to you than accountability, competence and independence as you read this scripture.

Romans 7: 14  We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin. 15  For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. 16  Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17  However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. 18  For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] 19  For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. 20  Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul]. 21  So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands. 22  For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature]. 23  But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. 24  O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? 25  O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.