“In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.” –1 Corinthians 11:11 (NIV84)

In our Western society there is so much talk about autonomy and independence. We seek to “find ourselves” and see as negative any human influence that might restrict or affect that process. Paul said in our verse for today that in the Lord there is no independence. You see, even God lives in relationship. He is eternally three persons living in relationship in one essence. As I think about the fact that the persons of the Trinity live dependently upon their relationship with one another, I believe we are thinking about ourselves all wrong.

In Genesis, God said that “it was not good for the man to be alone,” and so He made woman. I think we make the most grievous mistake when we strive to define ourselves in independence and autonomy. We are meant to be in relationship. We are created in the image of our maker. We will never find out who we really are until we see ourselves in relationship with God and the people He puts in our lives. Just as the three persons of the Trinity provide depth and perspective to our understanding of who God is, ultimately, our depth and layers will be defined by our relationship with God and our relationship with those closest to us.

I pray that we cease striving for independence and see the vital aspects of being dependent upon our God and the people He places in our lives.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church