What Does it Mean to be Independent?
What does it mean to be independent? When you hear the word “independence,” what comes to mind? Freedom? Liberation? According to dictionary.com, independence means “not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion and conduct; thinking or acting for one’s self.” A person who is independent is autonomous and free, not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction. Independence involves having the freedom and ability to make your own decisions, take actions based on personal values, and live your life in a way that reflects who you are. It means having the right to live the way you want, without anyone dictating when you eat, sleep, or act etc.
However, independence also involves taking responsibility for your actions. While you have the liberty to act freely, you are also self-governed and self-regulated. Independence in the worldly sense can sometimes blur the meaning of true independence. Sometimes, we find ourselves saying things or living contrary to our kingdom principles in our quest to be independent women. We need to get to a place where we operate on kingdom principles, which should be distinct from the world’s norms.
God is asking: Do my daughters know what it means to be independent? Independence in the kingdom means recognizing that while we may set our own rules and separate ourselves from worldly rulership, we are ultimately under the rulership of Christ. Even though America separated from British rule, individuals were not truly free to do whatever they wanted. Similarly, while we may be free from certain authorities, we are still governed by laws, rules, and regulations.
An interesting paradox arises when we consider true independence. As children, we were under the governance of our parents or guardians. As we grow, we may gain independence from them, but we are still governed by societal laws. In a spiritual sense, we are free but owned by Christ, who purchased us with His blood. We must ask ourselves: Who is governing us, and whose laws are we living by?
Independence in the Christian sense means recognizing that while we may have the liberty to make choices, those choices should be governed by God’s laws. You may have the freedom to pick whatever you want from the shelf at a grocery store, but you don’t have the freedom to walk out without paying. Similarly, we need to ask ourselves what the Son set us free from and what our liberty allows us to do.
When we fight for “independence” as women, what are we really fighting for or against? Have we paused to ask ourselves what independence truly means to us? Looking at historical examples, such as Libya being the first African country to gain independence or Ghana leading West Africa in gaining independence, we see that freedom can inspire others. Independence is not an individual feat but a collective effort by a group of people who set up laws to protect each other. When independence becomes an individual pursuit, it can lead to behavior that hurts others.
True independence means not subjecting oneself to oppression while keeping others in mind. Yes, we are free, but our freedom should also aim to liberate others. We need to be “others”-minded and not use our independence to hurt those around us. An independent woman doesn’t just go around doing things that please her. If we make that our focus, we may inadvertently hurt others.
For example, the liberty to preach does not mean standing on someone’s property at 5 AM to preach, which would likely repel people rather than draw them to the gospel. We need to consider these factors when sharing our message. Sometimes, we present the gospel with pride, which can turn people away instead of inviting them in.
Let’s take time this month to reflect, study, and cross-reference what independence means as a country, an individual, business, or a community. Jesus did not condemn nor condone the woman caught in adultery. Similarly, we should approach others with grace and humility, understanding that we are all struggling with something. Independence in Christ means being free to serve Him and others, not just ourselves. Let’s strive to use our independence to bring freedom and joy to those around us.
