Some folks always seem to want to assert their independence. (Self-dependence, self-reliance self-subsistence self-sufficiency self-support); these can do it all themselves without any help from others. They annoy us, especially when we see a need or way to assist them, and they refuse. It appears to be a betrayal to their true nature, which could allow for more “humility.”
People do things for all kinds of reasons: personality, upbringing, environment, or genetics could all play a part. But, let’s consider the words of Paul to the Corinthians.
” For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” 2Corinthians 5:1-4
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus, we have an earnest desire. We are like a naked person vehemently desiring to be dressed. The next verse (5), tells us that we have been given the down-payment of the Holy Spirit, already. Verse 6 reveals the confidence and courage which we have, even now, because of the Spirit. The only problem, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” see Matthew 26:41.
Paul furthers the theme, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 And “…ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” Romans 8:15-16
Beloved, because we have been given the Spirit, we sense our higher existence and long for it’s accomplishment in totality. Paul continues in Romans,
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. “
“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. “Romans 8:15-18
So, that inward desire to excel, to compete and compare, to outdo or to “one-up” our fellows, may proceed directly from the inordinate nature of fallen creaturehood. Soul-power may be at the root of it. However, Romans 2:18 reminds us, ” …know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.” “…covet earnestly the best gifts.” 1Corinthians 12:31 and again in Philippians 1:10 “…approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” Sincere and without offence?
“Do we, professing godliness, show the mind of Christ in our secular intercourse? Do we, on the whole, give the average “world” cause to expect that “a Christian,” as such, is a man to trust in business, in friendship? Is the conviction quietly forced upon them that a Christian’s temper, and tongue, are not as other men’s? That the Christian minister habitually lives high above self-seeking? That the Christian tradesman faithfully remembers his customers’ just interests, and is true in all his dealings? That the Christian servant, and the Christian master, are alike exceptionally mindful of each other’s rights, and facile about their own?” Expositors.
O friends, could it be that our “independent” acquaintances are simply living in the beginnings of what shall be manifest in eternity? Realizing who they are, (sons of God), they endeavor to live above reproach, free to live above pettiness, allowing for the “more excellent way.” A desire to do a thing and do it well can be honorable. A desire to step into a “heavenly” lifestyle can be noble. Do we, called to be “kings and priests” unto God, need to be over-worried about minor issues of existence on the earth? Revelation 1:6
In closing, what are we saying? We are saying this:
” But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. “1Corinthians 12:31
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. ” 1Corinthians 13:9-12
love ya
