Independance is absolute Dependence

As we celebrate Independence Day this 4^th of July, it is important for us to remember that ultimate freedom is not achieved through independence but dependence.  Independently we only inherit and deserve death as a consequence of our sin. All are dependent on God whether they acknowledge it or not. The Bible says that are next breath is dependent on God graciously granting it (Isa. 42:5; Acts 17:25). As Christians we are to glorify God in our dependence on Him because we have salvation from our sin and power over this world through the indwelling power and willing dependence of the Holy Spirit. True Independence comes through a total Dependence on God.  Jonathan Edwards eloquently stated this much better than I ever could.

There is an absolute and universal dependence of the redeemed on God. The nature and contrivance of our redemption is such that the redeemed are in everything directly, immediately, and entirely dependent on God: they are dependent on him for all, and are dependent on him every way... Men are dependent on the power of God for every exercise of grace, and for carrying on the work of grace in the heart, for the subduing of sin and corruption, and increasing holy principles, and enabling to bring forth fruit in good works, and at last bringing grace to its perfection, in making the soul completely amiable in Christ's glorious likeness, and filling of it with satisfying joy and blessedness; and for the raising of the body to life, and to such a perfect state, that it shall be suitable for an habitation and organ for a soul so perfected and blessed... Let us be exhorted to exalt God alone, and ascribe to him all the glory of redemption. Let us endeavor to obtain, and to increase in, a sensibleness of our great dependence on God, to have our eye on him alone, to mortify a self-dependent, and a self-righteous disposition.

Jonathan Edwards [1730], God Glorified in Man’s Dependence, Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733 (WJE Online Vol.17)