Biblical Answer

Understanding the Loss of Independence

The question of why we have to lose our independence is a complex one, and it's not just about physical necessity or external circumstances. The Bible teaches us that our thoughts, choices, and actions are truly independent of any cause, and that every thought and action merits the statement, "I don't know what came over me." However, this does not mean that we are free to do as we please. Philosopher Robert Kane suggests that we have libertarian freedom, which means that we have the power to choose between succumbing or taking the way out, but we often fail to take the divinely provided way of escape, and thus we are held accountable.

The loss of independence can be a painful experience, but it can also be a necessary one. As we grow to adulthood, we attain some degree of independence from others, but we also learn that we are not truly independent. We are subject to the laws of God, and we must be willing to obey Him, even if it means suffering the humiliation of refusing to be independent. This is a difficult lesson to learn, but it is one that is essential to our spiritual growth. As J. I. Packer says, "He knows the way He taketh, even if for the moment we do not." When we find ourselves in a situation where we are losing our independence, we must remember that God is leading us, even if we don't understand why.

The loss of independence can be a catalyst for growth and transformation. When we are forced to rely on God and others, we learn to trust in His sovereignty and provision. We also learn to see our circumstances from a different perspective, and to understand that our independence is an illusion. As Paul says in Romans 7:22-25, "For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me." We must be willing to let go of our pride and self-sufficiency, and to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we are losing our independence. Ultimately, this loss can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and provision, and to a greater sense of dependence on Him.