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Independence – Strength or Obstacle? Quote of the Week

February 2, 2013 By Jean Wise



“Independence is the root of human sin, and it develops into conformity to the world. 

 It is the broad, self-asserting and dominant “me” that would be a god. 

The first step, then, in the new life is surrender.

 Everything must be yielded to God, even the things that in themselves may be harmless. 

 Why?  For no other reason than to prove our will is wholly laid down and that God is all in all.”

by ~ A.B. Simpson

This quote stood out to me this week. For years I thought independence was a strength. I was proud of this characteristic; thankful for the courage and opportunities it brought to my life and even fostered this trait in my children. Perhaps I needed to rely on this crutch for that season of my life.

But now I see independence as an obstacle between God and me and a difficult attachment to surrender.
How do you view independence? 

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Comments

  1. blankLENETTA CARNES says

    February 4, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    Hi, Great post. I found you through the give a way.Now following you.Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance.

    Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that we just started, It’s Weekly Goals Link Up. It’s a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. 🙂 Here’s the link in case you want to check it out.

    http://lenettacarnes.blogspot.com/2013/02/weekly-goals-5.html Thanks again

    Lenetta

  2. blankJean Wise says

    February 4, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    You are so right Clella, that take charge skills has both advantages and disadvantages. I guess our lesson is to know when to use it and when to let it go.

  3. blankClella says

    February 3, 2013 at 12:15 am

    Jeanie, It seems that anyone who has the gift of leadership struggles with the issue of independence. I battle the “I can do it myself” obstacle so often. Thank you for this post.

  4. blankMia De Vries says

    February 2, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    Hi Jean
    What an interesting post, thank you. Independence to me, is man being deceived into thinking that he can determine good and evil on his own, as if any good can exist apart from our Pappa God. God’s goodness is beyond our finite minds to understand and to say that anything is good, apart from Him, sort of putting the creation on the same level as the creator! How absurd!
    Much love
    Mia

  5. blankJean Wise says

    February 2, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    I guess there are two sides – the good and the bad to every decision, trait or road we chose. Blessings on your week, Jennifer

  6. blankJean Wise says

    February 2, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I liked this quote too. Thanks for stopping by Patricia!

  7. blankJennifer Camp says

    February 2, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Oh, my I am writing about this right now . . . and it is heavy on my heart all the ways I have lived pursuing independence, and thereby worshipping me above everything, especially God. Thank you, Jean, for your vulnerability and wisdom in sharing. I pray you have a beautiful weekend, rich with His love and blessings.

  8. blankPatricia W Hunter says

    February 2, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    So true!

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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