Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 12, 2012
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
I struggle with self-reliance. I wrongly assume that unless I make things happen at work or home, it will not get done. Or, I falsely flatter myself that my ability to problem solve is the solution to the professional and personal issues I face. But in reality there are too many “I’s” in this equation. It is not about what I can do, but what Jesus has already done. He is the reliant One. The Lord longs for me to rest in Him, and allow Him to grow His fruit.
Self-reliance is a stumbling block when it short-circuits the Spirit’s work. Impatience takes matters into its own hands and misses out on seeing the power and glory of God at work. We can fire someone in the flesh or we can pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts of all parties, especially our own. We can hire someone in a hurry, or we can follow a process that protects emotions from compromising the work culture with a new employee with competing values. Self-reliance is stunted when there is submission to His authority.
“The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3:24
It is good to be responsible and solve problems, but in a spirit of collaboration, not control. It is astute to plan ahead and make sure details are covered and executed, but with a servant spirit, not a condescending attitude. We are better off when we invite others into our thinking and our feelings of inadequacy. Wise are we, not to project an image of having it all together, rather to admit our weaknesses and confess our mistakes. Health issues, emotional pain, and spiritual emptiness will bring self-reliance to its knees.
Do you depend on the Holy Spirit to lead your life? Are you engrafted into the vine of Christ for your spiritual nourishment? Is God the Father the object of your praise and adoration? Where you focus is what fuels your faith and works. Wholeness comes to your heart when it’s reliant on the riches of God’s grace. Wealth in what counts most is the result of your commitment to Christ. Thus, spurn self-reliance and abide in His assurance.
“Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me away from self-reliance to total dependency on You.
Related Readings: Ezekiel 36:27; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Galatians 4:6
Post/Tweet this today: Self-reliance is a stumbling block when it short-circuits the Spirit’s work. #Spirit #self
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In your opinion does self reliance hinder a personal relationship with Christ? I am a super independent person and I know this is a fault and I am finding that I cannot connect to God or identify with Christ or the love of God. It drives me bonkers and makes me question why. Dear Wisdom Hunter, please shine some light on this.
I am a 54 year old daughter, mother, grandmother. I have since taken both of my parents in because of my mother has fallen and injured herself the past two years. My father’s mind is not so good. Their ages are 86 and 87. I respect my parents and always have.
I have a thirty year old daughter that has a 3 year, 2 month old. Her and her husband will not let my grandchildren come to my home anymore because of my parents living with me. I am hurt. My daughter also does not speak with me anymore. Since now I have not seen my grandchildren for 2 months. Her husband has never liked my husband and I or my parents.
I did not raise my daughter in this manner. My first husband, my daughter’s father and I are divorced and we have always been able to get along with each other. My daughter was also raised in the church and has accepted Christ as her personal Savior. I also have accepted Christ.
I feel as though I am ready to give up. I am tired of all of the pain that I have. Just pray for me. That’s all I can say now.
I will be praying for you and your family, I too havent seen my grandchildren for over 2 1/2 years, my sons ex. remarried and her new husband dont let her have anything to do with us.
I miss them very much.
God bless you.
There are some things that we just don’t understand. Hopefully, in time, all parties will see themselves and change their evil ways especially for the children’s sake.
Yes Hannah self reliance does compete with our dependence on Christ. So, one idea is to place Scripture in areas of your home as a reminder of your need for Christ. Also study closely the life of Paul, a very self reliant man who learned to be a bond servant to Christ. I hope this helps…
“I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5….
A servant of Jesus,
Boyd