Independence

After yesterday's presentation from the Scottish Nationalist Party, the people of Scotland may be beginning to understand what talk of independence may mean. The details are complex and probably poorly understood by most. 

Those presenting the case for rejecting the independence view have a much easier job. Fear of the unknown will drive many to vote 'No' to the independence question.

As Margaret Thatcher famously said, when visiting West Berlin, 'When people are free to choose, they choose to be free'. Might this mean being free to choose to be independent?

The Bible tells the story of many people wanting to establish their own freedom from tyrants and foreign domination. 

Again and again, Jewish people were under the control of Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks or Romans. Their nationalistic aspirations were relentlessly crushed. And yet, perhaps surprisingly, their national identity was shaped by religious laws and cultural taboos. 

St. Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds them that Jesus has made it possible for us to find true freedom. 'So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.' (Galatians 5.1)

True freedom comes as we learn to break away from religious legalism, and learn to trust Christ to keep us in the right path. 

But that does not mean we can live independently from the good and loving rule of our Creator God. 

There were clearly some in the area of Galatia who thought freedom & independence meant they could live anyway they chose. 'For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Galatians 5.13-14)

Today, we have the opportunity to serve one another, not to be independent of one another. How will that show itself for you?
Best wishes,

Richard