Fourth July - the curse of independence

Thursday 4th July is the date of the moment: the General Election. It is unlikely, however, to retain its significance in the same way as America’s 4th July, which looks back to that nation’s Declaration of Independence from British rule back in 1776.

History is shot through with nations wanting to be independent of other nations and coveting sovereignty and autonomy. In our own Great Britain, recent decades have witnessed former colonies wanting and gaining independence, our leaving the EU and the perceived yoke of Brussels, whilst devolved governments at home are a step in this direction also.

All of this stems from our desire to be free, to be independent and master of our own lives both corporately and individually. With all of these millions of lives, each having a personal agenda, politicians have a dilemma when appealing for our vote.

The solution to this human dilemma is to be found in God and yet that is the last place we think we need to go, because we see him as the biggest threat to our independence. Yet Jesus tells us that is as silly as a branch wishing to be independent of the tree from which it gets all of its nourishment. Give the branch independence and it will sooner or later wither and dry up – dead wood.

The Christian message contains many paradoxes. One such tells us that whilst we hold back from God and choose our own independence in the name of freedom we are actually enslaved. Jesus, on the other hand, says he has come to set captives free and this because he is the only one who can bring us close to God. Close to God? Yes, contrary to our expectations this is where freedom really lies. It makes perfect sense, if you believe that God made us - made us to live in relationship with himself. Christian teaching is that independence from God is the last thing we need, because our hearts are restless until they find their home in God.

We need our politicians to govern us well but the ultimate solutions lie elsewhere. May I suggest you check out the promises and credentials of Jesus found in the Bible?