Recently I like to try to picture myself as a turtle.  I’m just the shell while Jesus lives inside of me.  Actually putting that scenario into practice can prove to be difficult as I’ve always considered myself fairly independent.  Even when I really should ask for help I’m usually too stubborn to request assistance and insist on finding a way to make it work myself. 

We live with a sassy, independent cat.  She likes to think she doesn’t need anyone.  She likes to sit near us, but never makes the move to sit on our laps.  But, despite her supposed independence, she needs us to feed her and clean her litter box for her.  True independence for kitty wouldn’t be everything she believes it would be at all.  She would live outside in the heat of the summer without the benefit of air conditioning.  In the winter she would have to endure the cold with out the warmth of indoor heating and a cozy fire in the fireplace. 

As Christians we don’t usually want to give up all our independence to rely on God for everything.  But, if you think about it for a moment, the only way to be truly independent is to do just that.  Our supposed independence of not relying fully on God just means that we are dependant on our addiction to sin to try to fulfill our needs.  The only way to be truly independent from sin is to live fully dependant on God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20