Christians Can’t Just Depend On Each Other. We Must Interdepend On Each Other.

If you ever talk to a person who does not know English as their native tongue, you will find that they often pick up on some nuances of our speech that we often miss. Sometimes, we would do well to point ourselves toward a dictionary and find out the "official" meaning of words. I was reading an article by secular author Ada Gonzalez, a family therapist, that reminded me about the importance of always choosing my words with care. Here are a few words we ought to care about in the local church. 

Independence: free from external control and restraint.

Dependence: reliance or trust on something or someone.

Interdependence: dynamic of being mutually responsible to sharing a common set of principles with others

Most people like to think that they are independent. In the USA,  our founding document is literally called the Declaration of Independence. As Christ followers, we embrace the vision that all men are created equal, yet recognize that too much independence can lead to lack of coordination and accountability. 

When someone is described as dependent, we often associate the word with negative connotations, as in people who are drug dependent, emotionally dependent on others for their survival. We Christians need to highlight more often where scripture teaches couples to be able to depend on each other for the family to work efficiently, or that reliance or trust in someone is a vital ingredient for successful relationships.  

Wise people, and healthy churches create interconnectedness in their relationships, which demonstrates itself in many forms but is ultimately measured in mutual collaboration. The Apostle Paul describes this relationship for believers as "the body of Christ." Each part is interdependent, because all parts are needed for survival and optimal health.    

Christians can't just depend on each other. We must interdepend on each other! In the local church, opportunities are all around you. How might you take action this week?

Pastor Milo

@milowilson

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