If you are a true Texan, then this word, for many of us older individuals, seems to be imbedded deeply within our minds and hearts. Yes, that seems true for many of us who grew up in our great state, being exposed to, and / or studying the many intriguing aspects of Texas history.
This weekend, the United States Of America, the greatest nation in the entire world, will celebrate our “Declaration of Independence.” It’s been 249 years since that came forth after ??? months of hard work and deliberation. While the actual decision to declare independence was made by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, the actual document explaining the reasons for this world changing decision was finalized and adopted on July 4th after Thomas Jefferson worked on the actual writing of the document in isolation from June 11 until June 28. Then, the official signing of the document by most of the colonies’ delegates occurred on August 2, 1776.
The word “INDEPENDENCE” as commonly used, is defined as, “the state or condition of being independent,” which in normal conversational English use refers to being self-reliant, not needing support, and / or not under the control of others. The USA basically abandoned itself to its own destiny with the support or control of any other empire, nation, or government (constitutional monarchy and parliament, which was made up of The House of Lords and the House of Commons or elected representatives).
It is certainly of great significance and importance that all citizens of the USA understand our independence as a nation and the independence that exists, or should exist, within our society! As an example, one can be an independent voter, not committed to the political platform of any party. An independent business is not owned or controlled by any other company. Personally, being independent implies that one has the life skills necessary to make one’s own decisions, pursue one’s own goals, and provide for one’s own needs. (On a personal note, I’ve being doing this since a short time after I graduated from high school at age 17 and started living on my own when my parents moved to San Antonio and I stayed behind in Austin … and then as you all know, they died a short time later when I was 18, on December 26, 1972 in the Woodlawn Baptist / Crocket High School Bus Accident.)
“INDEPENDENCE” may be applied spiritually as well. Biblically speaking, we as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, are to live independent, absolutely free from all forms of man-made religion, which loves to define righteousness based upon its own tenants! All these are simply humanity’s attempt to either reach or appease a god, based upon a limited understanding of truth (which is usually not absolute) and experiential wisdom, as well as some elements of ancient or current reasoning / philosophy.
As Christ’s children, ‘INDEPENDENCE” focusses in on the blessings of liberty and the freedoms we all have the opportunity to enjoy! While the significance of INDEPENDENCE DAY in America, which was obtained through much toil, suffering, and sacrifice, and is undoubtedly worthy of our celebration, yet nothing can compare to the independence afforded us in Christ Jesus alone. We are freed from sin, free to live independent of its weighty bondage and its ever-invading curse through faith / belief in Jesus Christ! This 100% free gift to us was actually provided through much toil, suffering, and sacrifice!
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
The word in this biblical text rendered “freedom” is also the Greek word for “liberty,” and the phraseology is speaking directly to the concept of independence from slavery. In the Greek culture, a slave could not provide money to be manumitted (freed). Only the master could pay the price to a god by bringing it into a pagan temple’s treasury while in the presence of the slave. Then a document was immediately prepared for the former slave with the words, “for freedom.”
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
At that point, no one could ever enslave him / her again, the former slave was now the property of the god and now completely independent. In Galatians 5:1, in the Greek text, the combination of the noun with the verb denotes / stresses the completeness of an act, which is in the aorist tense, indicating both its momentary and comprehensive action! Thus it was done / accomplished once for all time. In addition, the concept of not ever becoming subject to another form of bondage is clearly communicated. Christ made us independent of as well as fully liberated from, that to which we were born and subject to! Therefore in Christ Jesus, I am also now free from all and any constraining forces . . . independent and liberated to follow Him, know Him, obey Him, and serve Him!
However, all independence, liberty, and freedom comes with personal responsibility, whether that’s in relationship to our nation as its citizens, or to our Lord as citizens of His Kingdom. What I’ve learned, through many years of believing and serving Christ, is that I will gladly trade my independence for dependence upon my Lord, and give up my liberty / freedom to have the humble, yet honored position of being His bondservant / slave, always simply being hopeful of being available and well used for His glory!
How about you? Have you selfishly set limits on what you do for Christ Jesus? Are you in bondage to your own will or someone else’s? While not running from personal responsibilities in our society / culture, are you in bondage to those things of our world, or are you actually available for the work and ministry of His Kingdom while still in the world but not of it? NOW BEFORE YOU ANSWER … PLEASE STUDY JOHN 17:13-21
His & Yours always, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
Pastor Frank