“I want to do it by my own self” — These words are such frequent ones in our household. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter is strong and resilient already. She doesn’t easily give up, even as she encounters her own limitations.
When we are raising kids the goal is to help them grow into independence. We moms and dads keep parenting with the end in mind – we want functioning adults. We want to see our daughter grow like this (even though it’s a little scary when she asked to be able to drive “by her own self” this week – don’t rush it kiddo!).
We get so accustomed to this trajectory of growth, it’s no wonder we struggle when it comes to our relationship with God. Yet, to grow up in Christ is to grow in our trust and willingness to be dependent.
The truth is, I often react like Ava. I want to “do it by my own self.” It’s difficult to lean into dependence on God and interdependence with other disciples that God has blessed me with in my life – the believers around me. That’s why God gives us the metaphor of the body.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV
Spiritual maturity is recognizing my inability to do life alone.
Today, as we may feel tempted to “go it alone,” pause to ask God for strength outside of yourself. Ask for and give prayer support to others around you.
