“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Today is the Fourth of July. All across the United States, families are getting together to enjoy picnics, cookouts, parades and fireworks. We sing anthems of patriotic pride and don our red, white, and blue. But above everything, we remember and celebrate July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence.

Independence itself is an appealing concept. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others.” So it’s no surprise that in all stages of life, we are either trying to gain or maintain independence. Whether anyone is ever truly independent is a discussion for another time and place — but it sure sounds good.

Pursuing personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual independence is problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Far from being self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set us free. And in acknowledging this truth, every day is our “dependence day.”