Answers

By   •   November 13, 2015   •   Topics:

Q:

I don't have a problem with people who are religious; I know it's probably a great comfort to them. But I've always been a very independent person, and religion has never been a part of my life. Why should it be for someone like me?


A:

In some ways, I suspect, your independent spirit has probably served you well. Elsewhere in your letter, for example, you mention your success in business and your leadership in your community.

But has it ever occurred to you that often our greatest asset turns out to be our greatest liability? For example, you’ve probably seen someone with great leadership ability who became arrogant and abusive, losing the respect of others and even destroying their family and career. The Bible warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

But an independent spirit leads to an even greater problem: it cuts us off from God. God created you, and you are dependent on Him even for the next beat of your heart. In other words, you aren’t independent from God—even if you think you are. Most of all, someday you will die and face Him. What good will your independent attitude be for you then? The Bible says, “We will all stand before God’s judgment seat” (Romans 14:10).

Instead of turning your back on God and assuming you don’t need Him, turn to Christ and by faith declare your dependence on Him—both for your life right now, and for eternity. Don’t let your pride, or anything else, keep you from Christ. Instead, ask Him to use your abilities for His glory. The Bible says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

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