Independence

I have read of guys living in the woods who are almost self-sufficient. I admire them greatly. Some people like to watch TV shows about the ‘Rich and Famous.’ I, on the other hand, get excited reading about individuals who live off the grid—gathering or growing their food, collecting rain water, subsisting on minimal resources while communing with nature.

Most of us seek to be independent. We work really hard to achieve financial, social, and intellectual freedom. Most of us strive to take care of ourselves instead of depending on others. Yet, very few of us are completely self-sufficient. Most of us have to rely on a farmer to grow our food and on our local communities to provide services such as water, sanitation, utilities etc. Even the most free-thinking individual is influenced by books or material written by others.

“If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’ If I’m poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of God. (Prov. 30:7-9 MSG)

Those who imagine that they are completely self-sufficient have little need for God. They think they can manage on their own. On the other end of the spectrum are those who are desperately needy. When in dire straits, we are more likely to grab ahold of anything to survive, even if it is evil. We might not have the mind-set to wait on God if we are starving—whether it is for food, love, or significance.

 

When hiking, we often stop at scenic overlooks. These ideal vantage points offer views that are obscured during the rest of the hike. Similarly, there must be a sweet spot somewhere in the middle of abject poverty and complete sufficiency—a viewing platform that allows us to recognize and appreciate God.