Christian Comment with Rev John Thompson of Stonehouse Methodist Church

EVER worried about becoming ‘dependent’?

Its a fear often expressed by the elderley, worried that they will become a ‘burden’.

But actually we’re all already ‘dependent’.

Personal independence is a fantasy.

Rich or poor, old or young, fit or ill - we all depend on each other.

My ‘independent’ cycle to work each day relies on the bike shop’s services and the council’s roads.

And the NHS to keep me fit.

I rely on a thousand public services and private business every day.

My local community relies on volunteer councillors, school governors and charities.

And without the support of family and friends I would be lost indeed.

People have always formed networks and communities in order to survive, and those networks rely on people giving up some of their independence in order to benefit from the strength of the rest.

Community is at the heart of Christianity and it is no co-incidence that some of our greatest institutions including marriage, education, health services and trade unions have their origins in churches.

Inspired by the example of God, who through Jesus gave up everything out of love for the world, generations of Christians have made sacrifices in order to build better communities.

No claims of independence from them.

So why pretend ‘independence’? - and how have people become so hell-bent on the rights of the individual that everything from marriage and family life to European stability is under threat?

We need to celebrate the fact that we are dependent on each other.

That we need partners and families.

That we rely on friends and community.

That we value our nation and the international ties which strengthen peace.

That we need God as a foundation beyond ourselves.

These things cannot be bought but they all involve a loss of independence.

The bible often talks about ‘dying to self’ as the way to genuine happiness.

It has worked in the past - and by God’s grace it will work for us.

Try it.

Give instead of taking.

Share instead of keeping.

You might be surprised what happens.