Not Independence, but Interdependence
July 28, 2010
Scripture
But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. 1 Corinthians 11:11 NLT
Observation
Much has been said about the need for rights of the individual – and to free people from oppression. I am not disagreeing with that here. But I want to lift up the biblical idea that there is something better than independence. The truth is we need each other. If we are mature, we recognize our own limits and failures. In order to compensate for our lack of perfection we need to learn the discipline of interdependence. Independence is important… but it is a goal that is not the end. The wiser one knows that although there are differences in gender and in roles – we need each other.
(make sure you read on in 1 Corinthians to see what Paul’s answer is to how we are to live this out interdependently!)
Application
I need to need people. I am not independent. Even though I have been gifted to lead, I am not independent. I will seek to empower and teach others to lead with me, remembering that we are stronger when we are functioning like a body – each part making its contribution to the whole.
Prayer
Lord, in a society that exalts independence above many other virtues, help me to surpass independence and strive for interdependence – acknowledging my need for others. Amen.
