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Delusions
of
independence
God helps
those who help themselves, right? Chris Wright doesn't
believe it for a moment...
 t
seems to me that there's a condition being promoted as strong
and healthy that actually makes us lonely, afraid, vulnerable,
isolated. Of course it's not called those things, it's 'bigged
up', glamourised, promoted as desirable. Can you guess what
I'm on about? Independence, that is the watchword. Don't rely
on anyone, don't trust anyone, don't accept what anyone says,
question everything. And all this leads to is not having faith
of any kind, especially in God.
God says,
"It's not good that man should be alone". We have a built-in need
for human contact, be it physical, or just to know that someone
cares, that there is someone there. Why do we weep at funerals?
Why are web-sites like 'Friends Reunited' so popular? Why do people
walk down the street with mobiles to their ears? We need contact
with each other.
In times
past, when asked who they were, people didn't tell their name.
They would tell who they were related to, which village they inhabited,
who their local squire was. This was because people got their
identity from the people they were associated with. I don't think
this has changed. We get our meaning and value not as individuals,
but as a part of the social groups we move in and relate to.
Now if this
is striking a chord with you, if you feel like you've gone down
the road of 'independence' but have ended up just feeling on your
own and you don't like it, I've got a suggestion for you. It's
this - ask Jesus to help you. Even if you're not sure if you believe
in him or not, ask him. Jesus said 'I will never turn away anyone
who comes to me'. He knows all about your problems and struggles
and fears, and he still loves you and cares for you.
Alternatively,
go visit one of the churches in town, collar one of the people
who turn up and ask them why they bother coming to church when
they could be having a lie-in! I can't speak for them, but for
me it's because I'm so grateful that even with all my faults and
failings, Jesus loves me and forgives me and makes me a part of
the family of his Father God. To be independent can be a very
lonely experience. Jesus knows we need relationships - he says,
"I am the way to the Father". By coming to him he introduces us
to the Father and his family - the biggest family in the world.
If you want to discover more do come and see us at King's, we
meet at 10.30 Sunday mornings for coffee with a service at 11
(click here for more details).
We'd love to see you!
Chris
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