I know almost all adults might answer ‘yes,’ to this question, especially if they have moved away from their parents’ home, and are working and taking care of themselves. However, independence appeals to all ages. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others.”

In reading a devotion by Bill Chowder, he too stated that, “It’s not surprising that teenagers talked about gaining their independence.”  However, as I delved deep into this devotion, he spoke of a craving for dependence, which is a spiritual recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence on the One who gives life.  Jesus stated, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

John15_5

In this dangerous and troubled world, you need the vine to sustain all your spiritual nutrients, or else you will be spiritually malnourished. If you are spiritually malnourished, you won’t be able to withstand the enemy and all the chaos and calamity that he throws at you.

By and large, when you think that you are independent, think about the one who you have to depend on – Jesus.