The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Dependently Independent"
The baseline of born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ involves the recognition of our complete dependence on Him.
"Without Me, ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Upon this foundation laid by God's grace received by faith, we then actively engage ourselves in accordance with confidence in our Lord. God does not program us, nor do we fail to use the "fearfully and wonderfully made" human faculties He created and empowers (Psalm 139:14). As we "live by faith," we make many conscious choices to think, speak, act, and relate in ways prescribed by Scripture, rather than passively wait for the Holy Spirit to move us as if we were machines without heart and mind (Romans 1:17). "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (I Timothy 4:7).
Some responses to God's presence and working in us occur spontaneously. Other happen as we consciously and actively engage ourselves. It could be said that believers are dependently independent in our relationship with the Lord. He made and redeemed us for real response to Him in a fellowship of Heart to heart beautifully portrayed by the Psalmist…
"I will love Thee, o Lord my strength" (Psalm 18:1).
David well knew his privileged responsibility to actively engage in his walk with God: "I will love Thee." He also realized, however, his need for the divine presence and working as the source of motivation and power for the journey: "O Lord my strength." No statement of Scripture more vividly depicts the wonder of God relating to us, and our response to Him. We live for God. We live from God. Both realities must form and inform our understanding of a life lived with a resting heart, but with busy minds, hands, and feet as led and enabled by the Holy Spirit. "I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:29).
What is God's part? What is our part? A lifetime in the Scriptures and along the path of righteousness will be required to increasingly discover and walk in the reality of Christ living in us so that we may live through Him (Galatians 2:20; I John 4:9). The matter is personal rather than programmed, and conscious rather than compelled. Indeed, love paves the path, the genuine devotion of God for us, and our genuine devotion for Him. Both light and mystery guide us along the way as we increasingly realize the wonder of a life lived in complete dependence and chosen determination.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
(Philippians 2:12-13)
Weekly Memory Verse
"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."
(Matthew 10:29)
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