Who are the most helpless, most dependent, and most vulnerable people in our society? The answer is, BABIES and LITTLE CHILDREN! They do not know how to do anything for themselves; in short they cannot fend for themselves in any way. They can’t shop, cook, feed themselves, bathe themselves, protect themselves, or make decisions. Their survival is based on total dependence upon others; they are at the mercy of others, on an on-going basis.
Unlike little children, adults like to depend on themselves and on world systems, rather than on God. We love to be in control and be able to say we accomplished this and the other. We like to prove to ourselves that we can do it, and then be able to say we did it. To some, showing dependence on God is a sign of weakness, but is it? For that reason, some don’t want to admit they need salvation.
Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said to the disciples, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God” (Mt 18:3). This is an invitation to child-like faith. We need to depend on God, and also express it!
Yes, God has given us abilities that we need to nurture and use, but ultimately, He enables us to succeed. The apostle Paul tells us, “I can do everything through Him (Christ) who gives me strength” (Eph 4:13). So although God has given us all kinds of things like health, education, jobs, wealth, abilities, family and friends, we still need to depend on Him for the strength and ability to carry on.
We need to express dependence upon God for everything; even things we think we are capable of accomplishing with our eyes shut and our hands tied behind our backs, because we don’t ever see the whole picture. Situations have a way of changing, rather quickly, and without notice. Jesus Himself said, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Let us therefore go back to being like children when it comes to dependence; let’s be dependent rather than independent. Let’s call on Him day and night about everything, and then to also remember to thank Him and give Him the glory.