Dependence Day

At just shy of sixty years of age George Fox, the founder of the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) wrote to Christian friends living in Holland. 

In a couple of days Americans nationwide will celebrate Independence Day - truly a day worthy of celebration. 

We love independence.  That love, however, can lead to unhealthy obsession.  Believers in Jesus need to recognize (and embrace) their dependence.  To this point, Fox's words speak . . .

Dear friends in the peaceable truth, -- The glory of God all mind, in all your lives and conversations, and that the heavenly fruits of the holy spirit of God you may all bring forth to his praise, living in righteousness, godliness, and meekness, lowliness, and humility, learning of Christ Jesus your saviour, who is meek.  For the humble God doth teach, and they grow up in his grace and favour.

God teaches the humble, for the humble open their minds to learning.  A learner depends on his teacher. 

Fox, having issued the call to humility, added words as to the times Friends gathered.

And in the Lord's light, power, and spirit meet together, and keep your meetings in the name of Jesus Christ who hath all power in heaven and earth given to him, that you may feel his living and divine presence among you, and in his pure, gentle, and heavenly love and wisdom, you may be valiant for the name of Jesus, and his truth upon the earth, and not to be ashamed of Christ your teacher and prophet, that God hath raised up in his new covenant and testament, who you are to hear.

Their founder urged them to meet in the name of their Lord.  He knew the power of the Name and the Person.  Fox also knew that meetings (specifically, gatherings for worship) found their substance and power in Jesus Christ.  To attempt to gather without first welcoming Christ to reside would be foolish.  What is true for meetings (worship, church, etc.) is true for Ordinary Lives.

Romans 12:1 (MSG)
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

Bringing one's life as an offering is an act of dependence.  One offers in order to honor and in hope of receiving.  In offering our lives to God we seek to honor Him and hope that we will receive His guidance for our everyday lives.

On Thursday wave the Stars and Stripes, light some fireworks, eat a hot dog, and thank God for independence.  All the while, depend on God to lead your way.  Ask Him to teach you.  Promise Him that you will open your mind to learning.  Through faith depend on Him and trust Him.


Quoting Fox once again . . .

So in him let your faith stand, who is the author and finisher of it.  So with my love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is your sanctuary, in whom you all have life, peace, rest, and salvation, who is the Amen.

Have a great Day of Dependence!

#ordinarylives