On July 4th flags are raised and fireworks explode across America announcing and celebrating its independence. Citizens of the USA have the right to be successful. We are free to achieve our own goals within the framework and boundaries of the Constitution. Abraham Lincoln said, “A government that can do everything for the people, is the government that can take everything from the people.”
Independence does not mean you will never need assistance from others. However, parents who do not prepare their children to be self- sufficient are doing them no favors. As long as you expect others to assume full responsibility and provision for every need, you will never discover your own ability to succeed.
Philippians 4:13 (MSG)
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
You are the CEO of your own personal affairs. You will give the last answer and make the final decisions. Your future depends on the way you manage your life. The buck stops here!
- Keep some sparklers around and remind yourself of your independence. Every time you hear the thundering sounds of fireworks and view their spectacular, explosive formations of light and color, remember the price that was and is still being paid for your independence.
- Don’t habitually do for others what they are capable of doing for themselves. Turn perpetual hand-outs into occasional help-outs. In other words, instead of providing fish, teach them how to fish. If you become their source they will never learn to rely on their own resources.
- Go fishing. John Maxwell said, “Discover what you do well and keep doing it.” Assume responsibility for your God-given abilities.
“…Our sufficiency is from God.” II Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV)
