Declaration of interdependence

The 4th of July celebration this week-end, and the discovery just this week of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in England, focuses attention once again on that historic document. "We hold these truths to be self-evident," it declared, "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Today, though, I'm thinking about a different idea, a "declaration of interdependence." To my mind, that's what a commitment to Christian discipleship is in large measure. We announce not only our dependence on God through Christ, but we also declare our reliance on God's Family, our co-sojourners on the path of discipleship. In extreme cases, some Christians have had to "go it alone" for a time, without the support and encouragement of the regular fellowship of the church. But most often, we disciples are privileged to be able to gain insight, develop spiritual disciplines, find places of service and witness because we are part of the Christian church.

Evangelism, while it often finds expression in the individual's sharing of faith, is really the work of the whole church around the world. My part in that is infinitesimal, but it is important just the same. Again and again, though, I am inspired and encouraged by the wisdom, testimony and faithfulness of other believers, especially those who serve in circumstances much different from my own. There's a sense in which I feel their ministry is an extension of mine, and I hope and believe they feel the same way. We are connected, part of the same Body. As the apostle Paul put it, 'If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.' When I have committed myself to following Christ, by the grace of God, I have also committed myself to being part of God's Family, now and in the world to come. That's my declaration of interdependence.