God does not consider independence from Him as something to strive toward. As we mature in our faith and deepen our intimacy with Him, we become more Christ-like in our daily decisions. To put it in the vernacular, we do become a chip off the old block.
As much as this pleases our Heavenly Father, He still welcomes us to seek His opinion about the decisions we make in life. We would be foolish children indeed if we ever thought we had “outgrown” the need to depend on His wisdom.
Spiritual Growth Doesn’t Mean Independence
There are some Christians who are so insecure about their ability to do the right thing that they won’t blink without checking with God first to see if it’s okay to blink. Let’s be clear! God is not a “helicopter parent,” stifling His children’s growth by making every single decision for them. However, he wants to be included in our decision-making process.
He is a loving Father who delights in walking with us, guiding us, and seeing us grow in wisdom by staying connected to Him. He wants to co-labour with us.
Confidence Through Connection to God
It is only through spending time in His word, and through prayer and conversation with Him, that we gain the ability and confidence to make sound decisions.
John 15:5 (ESV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Heavenly Father places a multitude of earthly counsellors around us as well. The wisest Christian seeks and receives confirmation and counsel through brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Danger of Self-Reliance
Never become overly confident in your own ability to always do the right thing. When you step into that mindset, you step into arrogant independence and haughty pride, which deafens your spirit to hearing the Lord when He calls you to seek His face.
James 1:5 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
So no, God doesn’t reward independence. He cherishes our dependence on His counsel, no matter how old we are in the Lord. He does so not out of control, but out of love. And that dependence is where true wisdom, growth, and peace are found.
Until Next Week
© 2025 Katherine Walden
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