Biblical Answer

The Danger of Losing Independence

When we lose our independence, we risk surrendering to the wrong master, whether it be our own desires, the world's expectations, or even our own pride. As we become more and more dependent on others, we may start to lose our sense of identity and purpose. This can lead to a loss of autonomy, where we become trapped in a cycle of obedience to others rather than to God. The Bible warns us about the dangers of independence, saying "Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). When we become too independent, we risk becoming like the world, and losing our unique identity in Christ.

The Biblical Perspective on Independence

In the Bible, God is depicted as a sovereign God who is independent of all creation. He is the one who created the universe and sustains it, yet He is not dependent on anything outside of Himself. As Psalm 115:3 says, "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." This independence of God is what makes Him sovereign, and it is what gives us hope for our own lives. When we surrender to God, we are not losing our independence, but rather, we are becoming part of something greater than ourselves. We are becoming part of God's plan, and He is working out His purposes in and through us.

The Importance of Surrender

So, what happens when we lose our independence? We risk losing our relationship with God, and becoming trapped in a cycle of obedience to others rather than to Him. But when we surrender to God, we gain something far greater than independence - we gain a relationship with the Creator of the universe. We gain a sense of purpose and identity that is rooted in who we are in Christ. As the Bible says, "I will be what I will be" (Exodus 3:14). When we surrender to God, we are no longer our own, but we are His, and He is working out His purposes in and through us. This is the greatest freedom of all - the freedom to be who we were created to be, and to live a life that is surrendered to God.