“I can do it myself.”
“I don’t need to rely on someone else to get things done.”
“I’ll figure out a way to make it happen…”
Does any of this sound familiar? Have you heard people say these things? Have you said them yourself? Why are we so determined to do things on our own and not ask for help? I feel there are a few answers to that question to consider
Society tells us independence is good
When we look around the world today, it’s easy to see independence, strength, and ability is envied and even praised. The most “successful” people are the ones who spin multiple plates, are movers and shakers who are always busy, and achieve more than the average person. We are judged by what we’re able to produce and those who produce more win!
Society tells us dependence is weak
How often do we ask others for help? We are surrounded by people with strengths and abilities that we do not have. At the same time, we have strengths and abilities that can benefit others. How many times have you said, “Let me know if I can help you.” Yet, we rarely ask for help from those who would happily come alongside and assist in our time of need. Why? Because we don’t want to appear weak! We seem to think everyone has everything under control and we’d be viewed as “less” in some way if we ask for help.
The enemy controls society
I understand this is a bold statement, so please consider it in context. The enemy strives to keep God’s people oppressed and discouraged and does not want to see us set free, growing, and thriving. So, what better way to keep us all under his thumb then to make us compare ourselves to one another. If the enemy can convince us we have to be good enough on our own, but then convict us every time we fall short, we won’t allow ourselves to be dependent on anyone else for help, including God. We continue to strive to do better, accomplish more, be independent and miss the blessing of receiving help.
We are designed to be in relationship with one another. We are each created with specific strengths and abilities which were intended to serve the whole body, not just ourselves. It’s time we embrace dependence instead of independence. God wants to bless us through others and bless others through us. But we have to lower our defenses and allow ourselves to receive the blessings of their help. Sometimes the greatest gift is allowing someone to give us one…
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12