The self-reliant person lives in a fantasy world. It is not a real world because it is an impossible feat to achieve. Nobody can be self-sufficient. Not even Jesus had that ability.
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Jesus resisted this temptation by choosing to do something that is counter-intuitive to self-sufficiency: He humbled Himself to the will of God (John 6:38).
Self-sufficiency is the self-deceiving and isolating process of trying to be stronger and stronger while resisting the help of other people, especially help from the Lord. It is a sinful desire to build a lifestyle and reputation that releases a person from trusting God.
While his self-reliance projects the image of being strong and in control, the reality is the individual is weak and not in control. All of humanity stands in need of God’s empowering grace.
Self-reliance is a form of insanity to pretend to be something you are not. We are broken and depraved. We are unable and incapable of accomplishing and sustaining anything outside of God’s proactive intervention and provision.
Ironically, you are God-dependent whether you want to admit it or not. The world is clamoring to promote themselves while trying to prove to anyone who will listen how they have it together because they have tapped into their true selves and achieved their definition of greatness.
Time to Reflect
- What specific ways do you struggle with self-reliance?
- What is your practical plan to find help to overcome this anti-God sin pattern?
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