Speaking to the teen who is reading this: What is the one thing you want most? A new car? The latest iPhone? A boyfriend or girlfriend?Â
How about independence?
These are the years when you finally start spreading your wings. You get your driver’s license, a job, perhaps a later curfew. Soon, you’ll go off to college and live away from home for the first time, maybe sign your first apartment lease. You’ll make big decisions for yourself and do the things someone else once handled for you. And it feels great.
God wired us for independence. You’re not supposed to depend on your parents to provide your basic needs forever. Achieving independence is part of becoming a useful citizen.
And yet, there’s one from whom you should never try to break free: God. To truly survive and thrive, you must continue to fully rely on God.
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In This Article
Connect to the Vine
Christians are often accused of being weak—of using our faith as a “crutch” and running to God when we’re scared instead of fighting the demons with our own wits (or befriending the demons, as is often the case). Sometimes we even question total dependence on God ourselves:
“What do I need God for? Look at what I’ve accomplished without him. He only gets in the way of me getting what I want.”
What does Jesus say about that?
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
John 15:5
According to Jesus, we are as dependent on God as a branch is on its vine. No one calls a branch weak for relying on its vine. In fact, saying it should be independent is foolish. A branch without a vine is a dead branch.
No one calls a branch weak for relying on its vine. A branch without a vine is a dead branch.
And just like a branch freshly cut from a vine looks alive and healthy for a while, a person living independent of God may succeed for a time. But the same destination befalls both: death and destruction.
Don’t let that happen to you. Fully rely on god and stay connected to the vine so you can produce good fruit!
Total Dependence on God Does Not Equal Laziness
Continuing with our vine analogy…
What happens to a branch that does not produce fruit? As proud owner of some very vigorous grape vines, I know the answer to this one: It’s cut off. No mercy. The branch that fails to yield fruit is removed to make room for its fruit-bearing brothers and sisters.
Anyone who sees dependence on God as an excuse for laziness has missed the point. Jesus doesn’t invite us to remain on the vine so we can bask in the sun and wait for the rain. We are there to bear much fruit. He’s giving us the chance to participate, to take action and see results.
In short, your job is to work hard and leave the worrying to him.
More on this: What does the Bible say about Laziness? (article by 412 Teens)
How to Fully Rely on God While Living Independently
> Spend time in the Bible. Lots of time. <
God’s Word is how you stay aligned with God’s will, and there is no substitute for it. Daily time spent in scripture will not only help you fully rely on God but it will also help you live independently. Find courage in his words and guidelines for relationships and holy living.
Struggling to make a habit of Bible reading? See my post Read Your Bible Every Day: Why it Matters & How to Start.
> Spend dedicated time in prayer. <
Mealtime prayers are a good start but don’t stop there! You’ve been granted an audience with the king. Never forget what a privilege that is. Prayer keeps you connected to the one who gives you the strength and wisdom you need to live independently in adulthood.
Learn more about the privilege of prayer in Why Should I Pray? The Remarkable Privilege of Prayer. To incorporate different types of prayer into your praying habits, see How to Have a Richer Prayer Life By Friday.
> Spend dedicated time in worship. <
Yep, here it comes again: You need to go to church! It’s not optional. Gather with other Christians, confess your sins, lift your voice in praise, hear his Word, and let him change you. Then let that praise continue in your heart for the rest of the week. Church is not just another option for worship, it’s where worship begins.
Church is super important for both independent living and total dependence on God! See why in Why Young Christians Absolutely Need to Go to Church.
> Surround yourself with others who are dependent on Jesus. <
The wrong company can convince you to be the branch that leaves the tree. But remember what happens to branches that are separated from the trunk. Don’t let that be you. Find others who also strive to fully rely on God and encourage each other to stay dependent on Jesus.
For more on lifting each other up, check out 8 Ways to Encourage Your Friends in Their Faith.
Total dependence on God does not mean sitting around and waiting for him to drop things in your lap.
> Go out and do the work God has given you to do! <
Total dependence on God does not mean sitting around and waiting for him to drop things in your lap. He made you a capable being so you can experience the satisfaction of work well done and participate in the carrying out of his will. Go put in the time and see how he blesses your work.
Learn more about active faith in Faith Without Works: Does Prayer Make Christians Lazy?
Independence in work and finances makes you a useful citizen instead of a drain on society. But if you really want to produce good fruit, stay dependent on the vine—Jesus!
Independent Living + Total Dependence on God: More Resources for Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
More Posts on Independent Living For Teens:
- Transitioning to Adulthood: Advice For Christian Teens
- Not sure what you’re going to do with your life yet? Find perspective in Life After High School: Just Pick Something And Do It!
- Work, School & Play: How to Serve God In Everyday Life
More Posts on Fully Relying on God:
- What it Looks Like to Fully Rely On God (And Not Yourself) – article from Deep Spirituality
- If the thought of leaving your parents and being independent freaks you out: Why You Can Trust God Instead of Freaking Out.
- Author vs. Protagonist: Trust God To Write Your Love Story
Great message. I love the tomato garden analogy. 🙂
Great message on staying connected to our Savior Jesus and what happens if we fall away or forget about the most precious gift He has given us.
Another great message!
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