A Mind of Dependence

Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinks within himself, so he is.

“So he is” - This spiritual truth can feel both liberating and quite convicting. Our minds are where we can be totally ourselves. In our minds we can be thankful, offer praise and pray to our Heavenly Father. We can think about the goodness of God and how we want to serve Him and others. The mind can be a treasure chest of all that is good, holy, and righteous in our lives.

The mind can also be a place where the worst in us lives. All sorts of immoral thoughts like ungratefulness, judgment, jealousy, and anger can run rampant in our minds. We may believe that these thoughts are hidden from others, but, as this verse teaches us – we become what’s in our minds. Left to our own devices, we will end up living ungodly and self-absorbed lives.

God desires that we develop a “mind of dependence.”  The secular world often portrays dependence as a weakness. We are led to believe that a life of independence is what we should strive for. The Christian life calls us to surrender to God’s authority in every area of our lives. We become dependent upon His guidance and seek His will over our own. Our greatest strength becomes our dependence upon Him as we pursue righteousness and bearing fruit in His Kingdom.

Abiding is the path to a “mind of dependence.”  

John 15:5 “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.”

An abiding relationship with Christ (the vine) is developed when we intentionally and regularly spend time with Him. We have an enemy of our soul that works relentlessly to keep us from this powerful connection with Christ with endless pursuits to distract us. Abiding requires initiative on our part in prioritizing time to daily commune with Him. Discipline in pursuing Him each day will grow into desire and ultimately lead to dependence.

God desires our “First Fruits.”  The first of the Ten Commandments tells us that we “should have no other gods before Him.” The principle of “First Fruits” means that we make our relationship with Him our “first” and highest priority. We willingly commit to regular time in prayer and studying His Word. We also give Him the first and best of our talents and resources by serving in Kingdom work and giving back a portion that He has given to us.  

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Jesus is clear when He tells us that, “If we seek Him first, then we will find Him and live fruitful lives.” Faithful abiding is the most important pursuit for a follower of Christ in developing a “mind of dependence.” Dependence upon Christ leads us to the abundant life that we all desire.