Though often resistant to it and sometimes rebellious against it, help is our universal need. Most parents remember when that streak of independence rose to the surface in their child and they were strictly informed that they no longer needed any help. Proudly, but wistfully, parents take in these precious expressions of independence knowing that these provide marking posts along their child’s path to maturity. In everything from learning to walk to accomplishing amazing bathroom successes, children experience the rewards of independence.

However, independence is the result of accepting help along the way. Such help comes in the form of training, example, and encouragement. Where would we be without someone to teach us—to show us the way? Parents are teachers, training up children in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). In this, there is both a physical and a spiritual component.

In Christ, our independence is the result of His great sacrifice. Paul simply says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free…” (Gal. 5:1). Such independence is the result of accepting help. In spite of what the Humanist Manifesto says about the matter, we cannot save ourselves. Jesus spoke to certain Jews who believed in Him and, after admonishing them to continue in His word, said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn. 8:32). The truth under consideration is His word (Jn. 17:17).

Our basic need for enlightenment is evident. As Jeremiah so plainly stated in his prayer to the Father, “a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). We need spiritual guidance. Worldly wisdom cannot lead us to God (1 Cor. 1:21). But, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn. 14:6). Salvation comes as a result of humbly receiving the word of truth (Jas. 1:21).

We are dependent on God for “life and breath and all things…” (Acts 17:25). How foolish to think that, when it comes to spiritual matters—matters of eternal significance—we are each free to choose our own path independently, apart from divine instruction! Though often couched in the language of freedom, the spiritual counsel of the world leads only to increasing bondage
(2 Pet. 2:19). True spiritual freedom is the result obeying the gospel from the heart and becoming a slave of righteousness (Rm. 6:17-18). Know that the freedom and assurance we experience in Christ rests solidly on the fact that we lean upon Him as our helper (Hb. 13:6).

–Glen Elliott–